Background and Objectives
Increased SCFA production from prebiotic consumption is considered as (part of) the mechanism through which prebiotics exert beneficial effects on gut health and metabolic function. Since SCFA production is often not considered as a health benefit as such, this activity is intended to:
• review and evaluate coherent evidence of the beneficial action(s) of SCFAs,
• clarify whether it is scientifically justified and appropriate to consider alterations in SCFA production as a health benefit/ biomarker;
• and obtain a consensus view on microbial SCFA formation as a benefit for human physiology.
Output
The conclusions on the link between health and SCFA production were refined during the workshop ‘The Role of Gut Derived Short Chain Fatty Acids in Human Health’ (28-29 November, Brussels, Belgium). An enlarged panel of multidisciplinary experts contributed to this refinement.
These conclusions will provide guidance to facilitate the design and interpretation of academic and industrial prebiotic research. Furthermore, the consensus may support the development of health claims (procedures) on prebiotics.
Prof. Ellen Blaak – Chair | University of Maastricht | Professor | NL |
Dr Stephan Theis – Vice-Chair | Südzucker Group | Senior Manager Nutrition Science | DE |
Prof. Gary Frost | Imperial College London | Professor | UK |
Prof. Bert Groen | University of Groningen | Professor | NL |
Prof. Gilles Mithieux | Université de Lyon - Inserm U1213 | Laboratory Director | FR |
Dr Arjen Nauta | FrieslandCampina | Senior Scientist | NL |
Prof. Karen Scott | University of Aberdeen | Senior Research Fellow | UK |
Dr Bernd Stahl | Danone | Director of Human Milk Research & Analytical Science | NL |
Dr Elaine Vaughan | Sensus | Scientific & Regulatory Affairs | NL |
Dr Ric van Tol | TNO Quality of Life | Director | NL |
Prof. Kristin Verbeke | Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders - Targid | Professor and Head of TARGID | BE |
Dr Michela Miani | ILSI Europe | Scientific Project Manager | BE |