EpitheFood™

• An innovative production process brings SCFAs & MCFAs directly into the colon
• Contains SCFAs & MCFAs stimulating the microbiome to make more SCFA’s
• Restores the normal function of the immune system in the gut
• Fights dysbiosis or an unbalanced microbiome

Preferred energy source
For the mucosal cells of the colon (colonocytes), a continuous source of energy is essential for their maturation and function. Most of the energy is coming from SCFAs produced by the microbiome from fibers. Normally fatty acids in the form of glycerides are emulsified by the bile salts. Then these glycerides are hydrolyzed by the pancreatic lipases and absorbed. In the case of EpitheFood™, the pancreatic lipases which get into the small intestine are not able to transform these glycerides into fatty acids, in order to make them absorbable. Therefore, the lipases of the microbiome must take care of the hydrolysis and making the fatty acids available as an energy source for the colonocytes and the microbiome.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)
The amount of SCFAs produced and absorbed from the colon content can account for up to 15% of total human energy uptake. Of the produced SCFAs, butyrate is the preferred energy source for colonocytes. Lack of SCFAs in the colon results in energy shortage of the colonocytes and so to mucosal atrophy.

Impact on the immune system
SCFAs are converted into ATP by the cells. When insufficient SCFAs are present, epithelial cells do not have enough energy to renew themselves. But most importantly, inflammation occurs due to environmental stress, lack of energy for renewal, and disruption of the immune system, including excessive formation of cytokines. Cytokines evoke more cytokines and a real storm can occur, making things worse. Some SCFAs directly suppress so-called bad bacteria. Butyric acid affects gram-negative bacteria such as E. Coli and Salmonella. While capric, caprylic an lauric acid put pressure on some gram-positive bacteria like Streptococcus and Clostridium.