Effect of short-chain fatty acids produced by probiotic: functional role toward the improvement of human health

This chapter provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art in the impact of SCFAs produced by probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on human health. Herein, we discuss SCFA production by these microorganisms, including types and either indirect or direct mechanisms through which they contribute to their accumulation in the colon, as well as recent advances in the development of rapid and selective analytical methods capable of identifying and quantifying SCFAs. Finally, the functional role of SCFAs in the improvement of human health with special focus on obesity and cancer is highlighted.