Fiber from a regular diet is directly associated with fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations in the elderly

It has recently been suggested that fiber exerts a considerable effect on microbiota composition and on fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, the concentration of which in the colon is important for immune regulation and for maintaining gut and overall health. To test the hypothesis that the fiber consumed in a regular diet affects fecal SCFA concentrations in the elderly, the authors investigated the association between different types of fiber intake and fecal SCFA concentrations in 32 institutionalized elderly subjects aged between 76 and 95 years. Food intake was recorded by means of a validated food frequency questionnaire. Total, soluble (pectin and hemicellulose) and insoluble (pectin, hemicellulose, Klason lignin, and cellulose) fiber was determined using Marlett Food Composition Tables. Analysis of acetic, propionic, and butyric acid concentrations was performed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Potato intake was directly associated with SCFA concentrations and apple intake with propionate concentration. Of the fibers, cellulose showed an independent association with acetate and butyrate concentrations, and insoluble pectin explained a part of the variation in propionate. In conclusion, our results provide further evidence regarding the relation between diet and SCFA concentration in the elderly. The identification of an association between the regular intake of foods such as potatoes and the production of SCFAs provides an opportunity to improve public health.