Mixed
The analytical method used to measure SCFAs (e.g., GC vs. HPLC) significantly influences the detection of statistically significant changes, with GC-based methods on plasma/serum showing more frequent significant changes than HPLC on feces.
When evaluating fiber studies, check the measurement method. Studies using Gas Chromatography (GC) on blood samples are more likely to report significant SCFA changes than those using HPLC on feces, even if the biological effect is similar. This highlights the difficulty in measuring blood SCFAs due to low concentrations.
Most of the studies used GC-based methods, and those studies in plasma or serum samples more commonly found statistically significant changes in SCFAs (four studies out of six).
Why this rating
Based on systematic observation of methodological differences across 44 trials.
Source
Effects of Dietary Fibers on Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Gut Microbiota Composition in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review
Valentina Vinelli et al. · Nutrients · 2022
DOI 10.3390/nu14132559
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