Short-chain fatty acids for ulcerative colitis: clinical benefit remains uncertain
A review found lower inflammatory markers with oral treatment, while pooled topical-treatment results remained compatible with no difference from standard therapy.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The review does not establish a clear clinical benefit from adding short-chain fatty acids to ulcerative colitis treatment. Topical treatment estimates for disease activity and tissue scores were uncertain. Oral treatment was associated with lower inflammatory markers, but those laboratory changes do not by themselves establish symptom relief or improved disease control.
This abstract-based summary lacks treatment schedules and follow-up timing. Oral administration was assessed in only 2 studies, and no observed adverse effects does not establish comprehensive safety.
What researchers found
Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity Index score
Topical short-chain fatty acids versus standard therapy; the confidence interval included no difference. Assessment timing not reported in the abstract.
Different routes, different outcomes
The review separated oral administration from topical administration. Oral treatment alongside standard care was associated with lower fecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein, both inflammatory markers. The pooled topical analyses examined disease activity and microscopic tissue scores.
Clinical uncertainty remains
The topical-treatment confidence intervals included no difference, leaving the direction of the true difference uncertain. Endoscopic scores fell in both treated and control groups, so those improvements alone do not show an advantage from supplementation.
The original publication
Short-chain fatty acids in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Serrano-Fernández V, Carmona-Torres JM, López-Fernández-Roldán Á et al.
Inflamm Res · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41107619
- Record checked
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