Butyrate, propionate, and acetate are the three primary and most beneficial short-chain fatty acids produced in the gut.

The Three Main SCFAs and Their Roles

SCFA Name	Percentage of Total SCFAs	Primary Function/Benefit
Acetate	~60%	The most abundant SCFA. It is used as a fuel source by other tissues (like the liver and muscle) and is involved in cholesterol synthesis.
Propionate	~20%	Travels to the liver where it is primarily involved in glucose production (gluconeogenesis), helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Butyrate	~20%	Often considered the most important SCFA for gut health. It is the main fuel source for colonocytes (cells lining the colon), vital for maintaining the gut barrier integrity (tight junctions).

These three SCFAs are crucial byproducts of the fermentation of dietary fiber by gut bacteria. They are responsible for many of the recognized health benefits of a high-fibre diet, including:

Strengthening the gut lining (Butyrate).
Regulating blood sugar and cholesterol (Propionate and Acetate).
Modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.