Short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, propionate, and acetate produced by gut bacteria act as signaling molecules that modulate immune system activity.

“I think most people that, you know, listen or watch our podcast are familiar with some of the beneficial metabolites that are produced like these short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, or propionate, acetate, and their effects on modulating the immune system. And I think there's been just overwhelming evidence at this point that there's a role in these short-chain fatty acids for, you know, playing signaling molecule role where they affect T regulatory cell activity and/or production, for example.”