When we eat fiber, the microbiome produces ______ from the fiber digestion that can then reduce inflammation.

• A. Butyrate
• B. Glucose
• C. Acetate
• D. Lactate

Answer: (B)

Fiber fermentation by gut microbes yields short-chain fatty acids that help regulate inflammation. The key anti-inflammatory fatty acid produced from this process is butyrate. It serves as the main energy source for colon cells, supports a healthy gut barrier, and modulates immune signaling to reduce inflammatory responses. While acetate and propionate are also produced from fiber, butyrate has the strongest link to lowering inflammation in the gut. Glucose is not a direct product of fiber fermentation by the microbiome, and lactate is more of an intermediate than the primary anti-inflammatory mediator.