Cat and human obesity can damage health due to lower production of propionic acid

Obesity can damage the health of cats and people in similar and substantially. There are some amusing stories on the internet about very fat cats being rescued and dieted. They make good stories and fat cats look funny but there is a very serious story behind the fun: serious ill-health at least potentially. Studies regarding animals' gut health can be very useful in understanding the impact that the gut biome has on the health of humans. There is a big overlap here.

A study checked out the effect on gut biome of dieting obese cats and found that it affected the levels of propionic acid

"When the cats are on the special diet formulated for weight loss, propionic acid goes up and stays high, and then goes back down when they’re put back on the maintenance diet. So it really is a dietary change. This paper highlights that when we calorie-restrict cats that are obese, we can alter their microbial ecosystem and those community shifts that we see likely correlate with some metabolic outcomes.” - Jenessa Winston, assistant professor of veterinary clinical sciences at The Ohio State University (Ohio State), US, where the study was conducted.

So what is propionic acid? I consulted with Google's AI bot, Gemini to tell us all about it and more. Here is the dialogue.

What is the role of propionic acid in the gut of animals and humans?

Propionic Acid: A Key Player in Gut Health

Propionic acid is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced by gut bacteria through the fermentation of dietary fibres. It plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health and influencing various bodily functions.

Role in the Gut:

• Energy Source: Propionic acid is absorbed through the colon wall and transported to the liver where it's used as an energy source.
• Gut Barrier Function: It helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining, preventing the leakage of harmful substances into the bloodstream.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Propionic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to overall gut health and potentially reducing inflammation in other parts of the body.
• Gut Microbiome Balance: It influences the composition of the gut microbiota, promoting a healthy balance of bacteria.
• Appetite Regulation: Some studies suggest that propionic acid may play a role in appetite regulation by signalling to the brain.

Beyond the Gut:

• Liver Function: As mentioned, the liver utilizes propionic acid for energy production. It's also involved in gluconeogenesis, the process of creating glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.
• Potential Systemic Effects: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, propionic acid has been studied for its potential role in various conditions beyond gut health, such as metabolic disorders and neurological diseases. However, more research is needed to fully understand these effects.

In summary, propionic acid is a vital component of gut health and has far-reaching implications for overall well-being. Consuming a diet rich in fibre can promote the production of this beneficial SCFA.

Would you like to know more about how diet can influence SCFA production?

Yes,

Diet and SCFA Production

Fiber is the key ingredient when it comes to boosting SCFA production. It's the preferred food source for gut bacteria. Different types of fiber influence the production of different SCFAs.

• Resistant starch: Found in unripe bananas, cooked and cooled potatoes, and green bananas, it promotes butyrate production.
• Inulin and fructans: Present in garlic, onions, asparagus, and chicory root, these fibers increase the levels of propionate.
• Pectin: Found in fruits like apples and citrus, it can also contribute to SCFA production.

Other factors influencing SCFA production include:

• Overall diet: A diet rich in processed foods and low in fiber can hinder SCFA production.
• Gut microbiome: A diverse and healthy gut microbiome is essential for efficient SCFA production.
• Antibiotics: These can disrupt the gut microbiome and negatively impact SCFA levels.

It's important to note that while fiber is crucial, consuming a balanced diet with a variety of plant-based foods is generally recommended for optimal gut health and SCFA production.

Does obesity limit the production of propionic acid? Yes.

Obesity and Propionic Acid Production

Yes, obesity can indeed limit the production of propionic acid.

Here's a breakdown of how:

• Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis: Obesity is often associated with alterations in the gut microbiome, a condition known as dysbiosis. These changes can lead to a decrease in the abundance of bacteria that produce propionic acid.
• Reduced Fiber Intake: Individuals with obesity often have lower fiber intake, which is a primary substrate for propionic acid production.
• Increased Inflammation: Obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, which can negatively impact the gut environment and hinder the production of beneficial SCFAs like propionic acid.

Therefore, restoring a healthy gut microbiome, increasing fiber intake, and reducing inflammation are essential steps in potentially increasing propionic acid levels in individuals with obesity.

Improving Gut Health in Obesity

Improving gut health is crucial for individuals with obesity. Here are some key strategies:

Diet

• High-fiber diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. These provide the necessary fuel for beneficial gut bacteria.
• Limit processed foods: These often contain harmful additives and lack essential nutrients.
• Consider a Mediterranean-style diet: Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, this diet has been linked to improved gut health and overall well-being.

Lifestyle

• Regular exercise: Physical activity can help reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and support a healthy gut microbiome.
• Weight management: Gradual weight loss can positively impact gut health by reducing inflammation and improving gut bacteria diversity.
• Stress management: Chronic stress can negatively affect the gut microbiome. Incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga into your routine.
• Adequate sleep: Sufficient sleep is essential for overall health, including gut health.

Supplements

• Probiotics: These contain live bacteria that can benefit gut health. However, their effectiveness varies, and it's essential to choose reputable brands.
• Prebiotics: These are non-digestible fibers that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. They are found naturally in many foods but can also be supplemented.

It's important to note that while these strategies can be beneficial, individual responses may vary. 

Important note: diet cats slowly. Consult with your vet.

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins.