Short-chain fatty acids

Short chain fatty acids are a sub-group of fatty acids with aliphatic tails of less than eight carbons. They include:
 * Acetic acid
 * Propionic acid
 * Isobutyric acid
 * Butyric acid
 * Isovaleric acid
 * Valeric acid
 * Caproic acid
 * Lactic acid
 * Succinic acid

Short chain fatty acids, just as medium chain fatty acids, are taken up directly to the portal vein during lipid digestion, in contrast to long chain fatty acids, which are packed into chylomicrons and enter lymphatic capillaries and enter the blood first at the subclavian vein.

Short chain fatty acids are produced when dietary fiber is fermented in the colon.