Propionic Acid is present in the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract of humans and other mammals as an end-product of the microbial digestion of carbohydrates. It is also an antifungal agent contained in many food preservatives. Absorbed propionic acid into the blood circulation may cross the blood brain barrier and enter the brain. Propionic aciduria is a disease that comprises many various disorders. The outcome of patients born with Propionic aciduria (genetic disorder) is poor intellectual development patterns, with significant neurological and various visceral complications.
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What is Propionate?
Propionate is among the most common short-chain fatty acids produced in the human gut in response to indigestible carbohydrates (fiber) in the diet.
What are short-chain fatty acids?
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the end products of fermentation of dietary fibers by the anaerobic intestinal microbiota and have been shown to exert multiple beneficial effects on mammalian energy metabolism.
The main short-chain fatty acids consist of the beneficial (fibre/carbohydrate-derived) fatty acids acetate, propionate and butyrate, and the putrefactive (protein-derived) fatty acids valerate, iso-valerate and iso-butyrate.
Of the three main beneficial fatty acids listed above, acetate typically makes up approximately half of the total (50+%).
Valerate is also considered by some to be a beneficial short-chain fatty acid, although it correlates more strongly to the putrefactive fatty acids.
Propionate has wide-reaching effects on physiology:
– In the gut it stimulates smooth muscle contractions,
– It increases mucus secretion,
– It promotes antimicrobial peptide expression,
– It dilates colonic arteries,
– It increases release of serotonin from gut endocrine cells.
Propionate also influences intracellular pH, mitochondrial function, lipid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis and release, immune function, and gene expression.
Propionate has been suggested to have weight loss, anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4847229/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3735932/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5004142/
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF YOUR PROPIONATE RESULT IS TOO LOW?
Decreased Propionate levels may indicate inadequate colonic function.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF YOUR PROPIONATE RESULT IS TOO HIGH?
Excess propionate can be problematic. In propionic acidemia, a genetic error of metabolism, accumulation of propionate is associated with the following:
– Acidosis,
– Developmental delay,
– Seizures,
– Increased oxidative stress,
– Mitochondrial dysfunction,
– and bouts of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Excess propionate has also been reported in irritable bowel syndrome and autism.
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