NANP Board Practice Exam

Butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), has its primary effects in the colon. The colon is home to a rich microbiota that ferments dietary fibers to produce SCFAs, including butyric acid. This fatty acid serves as a critical energy source for colonocytes, the cells lining the colon, and plays a vital role in maintaining gut health. It is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help strengthen the gut barrier, preventing conditions like leaky gut.

While other organs like the liver and small intestine can interact with SCFAs, the colon is where butyric acid has the most pronounced effect on cellular function and health in the context of digestive processes and overall gut integrity. The stomach, on the other hand, does not absorb SCFAs, as its primary function is to digest food, making it less relevant in the context of where SCFAs exert their benefits.