What vital compounds do gut bacteria produce after metabolizing resistant starch?

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate.

Resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate found in potatoes (especially when cooled after cooking), passes undigested into the large intestine. Here, it functions as a prebiotic, serving as a critical food source for the beneficial bacteria residing in the gut microbiome. When these bacteria metabolize the resistant starch, they produce essential byproducts known as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Among these SCFAs, butyrate is particularly significant. Butyrate is vital because it serves as the primary fuel source for the cells lining the colon. Furthermore, butyrate plays a protective role by actively helping to reduce inflammation within the colon and reinforcing the integrity of the gut lining.