The Systemic Concentration of Short-Chain Fatty Acids After Delivery in the Small and Large Intestine of Healthy Volunteers

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The goal of this crossover study is to evaluate the systemic availability of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) that are either administered in the small intestine or the colon in healthy volunteers. The main question it aims to answer is whether the site of administration affects the amount of SCFA that reaches the systemic circulation. On two test days participants will ingest capsules filled with SCFA that are specifically delivered in the small intestine or the colon. After ingestion, blood samples will be collected at regular time points.

Official Title
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The Systemic Availability of Short-Chain Fatty Acids After Delivery in the Small Intestine and the Colon

Conditions
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Systemic Availability, Intestinal Absorption, Metabolism, Short-chain Fatty Acids

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: SCFA


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: female and male healthy participants age within 18 - 50 years normal BMI (18.5-25 kg/m^2) Exclusion Criteria: Chronic gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, chronic constipation (less than 3 stools a week) and chronic frequent diarrhoea (more than 3 stools a day) Previous abdominal surgery, except from appendectomy Being on a weight loss, gluten-free, lactose-free, or vegan diet The donation of blood during the last 3 months or suffering from low blood haemoglobin levels The use of antibiotics or other medication that affects the gastrointestinal tract 3 months preceding the study and/or during the study The use of prebiotics or probiotics 2 weeks preceding the study and/or during the study Pregnancy, lactation or wish to become pregnant during the study period Previous or current substance/alcohol dependence or abuse (> 2 units per day/14 units per week)

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: small intestinal delivery capsules<br>Participants will ingest small intestinal delivery capsules filled with short-chain fatty acids. | Dietary Supplement: SCFA<br>* Participants will ingest the capsules during a standard no fiber breakfast. A primed continuous infusion containing SCFA will run during the whole test day. Blood sampling will continue for 12 hours.<br>|
| Experimental: Colon-delivery capsules<br>Participants will ingest colon-delivery capsules filled with short-chain fatty acids. | Dietary Supplement: SCFA<br>* Participants will ingest the capsules during a standard no fiber breakfast. A primed continuous infusion containing SCFA will run during the whole test day. Blood sampling will continue for 12 hours.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Concentration of 13C-short-chain fatty acids in blood | Assessed by analysing SCFA in blood samples collected at regular time points | up to 12 hours |