PURE Propionic Acid Capsules

Why Propionate?

The human body is home to a vast array of commensal microorganisms, which collectively are referred to as the microbiome. This microbiome colonises the skin and various mucous membranes (nasal, oral, pulmonary and vaginal cavities). In the gastrointestinal tract, these organisms reach particularly high densities, as trillions of bacteria, fungi and viruses coexist in symbiosis with the host for mutual benefit – this is referred to as the gut microbiome.

Despite its significant influence on human health status and the development or progression of diseases, our (gut) microbiome has only become the focus of intensive research over the past 20 years. Consequently, researchers have begun to investigate its role in protection against pathogens, in the regulation of metabolism, hormone and immune functions, and in influencing drug metabolism and the absorption of, for example, micronutrients.

Furthermore, it has recently been confirmed that the influence of the gut microbiome is not limited to the gastrointestinal tract. It plays an important role in the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system (CNS). The growing body of evidence that the gut microbiome exerts a profound influence on important brain processes has led to the development of the concept of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, which has captured the interest of researchers worldwide.

Microorganisms can bidirectionally influence CNS processes via the vagus nerve and through modulation of the immune system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and tryptophan metabolism, as well as through their ability to synthesise a range of neurotransmitters and produce metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which possess neuroactive properties.

The short-chain fatty acids acetate, propionate and butyrate are the most important metabolic products produced in the colon in a ratio of 60:20:20 through bacterial fermentation of dietary fibres and resistant starch in a healthy diet. In the intestine, these short-chain fatty acids, including propionate, regulate the energy supply and growth factors of intestinal cells. Furthermore, they have an influence on certain T cells (Tregs), which have a dampening, protective effect on inflammatory processes.

How Propionic Acid Supports Inner Balance

Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that SCFAs also exert crucial physiological effects on various organs, including the brain. This hypothesis is supported by scientific studies in animals and humans, which show that dysbiosis has profound effects on neurological functions and also on neurodegenerative diseases.

Short-chain fatty acids are produced not only during the digestion of dietary fibre – through bacterial fermentation in the colon – but can also be taken orally. A good example of this is conventional vinegar – the acetic acid it contains, in salt form, is nothing other than acetate, a short-chain fatty acid that is also produced in the intestine. Vinegar is also an end product of bacterial fermentation.

Buy Propionate: Our Capsules from the PURE Range

The propionic acid in our propionic acid capsules is in the form of sodium propionate. As is typical for the PURE range, the product contains exclusively propionate.