NUT 116B: Midterm #2: Study Guide.

NUT 116B: Midterm #2: Study Guide/NUT 116B: Midterm #2: Study Guide Gut Microbiome: How does diet affect SCFA production? Dietary fiber increases SCFA production What produces SCFA? Saccharolytic bacteria is necessary to breakdown indigestible CHO (aka Fiber) and this generates SCFA in the process Why is high acidity good? SCFA will increase the acidity (and therefore lower the pH) in the gut BUT a DECREASED acidity (and therefore INCREASED pH) creates a more favorable environment for dangerous proteobacteria Pathogens are typically acidic dependent, so a lower pH/higher acidity (created w/ more SCFA Saccharolytic bacteria fiber (indigestible CHO) SO, increase acidity/low pH helps prevent growth of harmful pathogens ***Saccharolytic bacteria produce butyrate