HealhtySCFANCT07183488
Metabolic Effects of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Healthy Individuals
A study testing Propionate followed by Butyrate and Butyrate followed by Propionate in people with Healhty and Other: Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA), run by University of Copenhagen at 1 site in Denmark.
Trial summary
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the acute physiological and metabolic effects of ingesting the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA)s propionate (three carbon atoms long; C3:0) and butyrate (C4:0) in healthy men and women. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healhty, Other: Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA), Other: Butyrate (C4)
- What is being tested?
- Propionate followed by Butyrate and Butyrate followed by Propionate
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 10 participants
- Where
- 1 siteDenmark
- Study dates
- 10 Sep 2025to 1 Sep 2030
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male or female.
- Age between 18-40 years old
- BMI between 18.5-29
Who cannot join
- Diabetes
- Kidney- or liver disease
- Pregnant, lactating or planning to become pregnant within the study period
- Supplementation with SCFAs
- Supplementation with B12 vitamin
- Special dietary habits (e.g. vegan/ketogenic diet)
Show all 10Show fewer
- Ongoing cancer treatment
- Metabolic or absorptive disorders, gastric bypass operation, or use of medication affecting metabolism or food absorption
- Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or short bowel syndrome
- Inability, physically or mentally, to comply with the procedure required by the study protocol as evaluated by the primary investigator, study manager or clinical responsible
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Andreas M Fritzen, Associate Professor contact
Denmark1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
University of Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, 2200
Amalie S Frederiksen, PhD Student, +4528899561, amalie.sfrederiksen@sund.ku.dk
Andreas M Fritzen, Associate Professor
About this study
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the acute physiological and metabolic effects of ingesting the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA)s propionate (three carbon atoms long; C3:0) and butyrate (C4:0) in healthy men and women. This aim will be addressed through a block-randomized cross-over study including two visits with acute intake of propionate and butyrate, respectively.
The hypothesis is that plasma ketone body levels will increase during the first three hours after intake of butyrate, but not propionate, in healthy individuals in the overnight fasted state.
Read the detailed description
The study will be conducted as a block-randomized cross-over study in healty participants (n=10). The participants will undergo two experimental days of three hours separated by a two to four weeks wash-out period. At the test days, participants will consume 3 grams of either propionate or butyrate in the form of sodium-propionate or sodium-butyrate together with 250 ml of water. The order of ingestion is determined by randomization.
The day prior to the experimental days, participants will consume a standardized control dinner and evening snack and abstain from alcohol and vigorous physical activity to ensure similar conditions on the experimental days. The standardized meal will be provided to the participants. On the test days, participants will be instructed to arrive by passive transport in an overnight fasted state (10 hours). Upon arrival, a DXA scan will be performed, after which a catheter will be inserted into an antecubital vein. Following 30 minutes of supine rest, baseline measurements will be performed, including indirect calorimetry, blood pressure measurement, flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), and a fasting venous blood sample. Participants will then ingest 3 grams of propionate or butyrate within 5 minutes, together with 250 ml of water. After ingestion, participants will remain resting in bed for 3 hours, during which blood samples (15 ml each) will be collected continuously throughout the test day. Indirect calorimetry, blood pressure measurements, and FMD will be repeated at various time points post-ingestion. The test day will end with an ad libitum meal. The entire procedure will be repeated on the second test day.
- Conditions
- Healhty, Other: Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA), Other: Butyrate (C4), Other: Propionate (C3)
- Being tested
- Propionate followed by Butyrate, Butyrate followed by Propionate
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Propionate followed by ButyrateOther
The participants will consume Short-chain fatty acid propionate (SCFA-PRO) followed by Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT).
Butyrate followed by PropionateOther
- The participants will consume Short-chain fatty acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT) followed by Short-Chain Fatty Acid Propionate (SCFA-PRO).
Propionate followed by ButyrateOther
- The participants will consume Short-Chain Fatty Acid propionate (SCFA-PRO) followed by Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT).
Butyrate followed by PropionateOther
The participants will consume Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT) followed by Short-Chain Fatty Acid Propionate (SCFA-PRO).
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Female | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Propionate followed by Butyrate; Other: Butyrate followed by Propionate |
| Male | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Propionate followed by Butyrate; Other: Butyrate followed by Propionate |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Ketone Bodies
To measure the effect of Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT) and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Propionate (SCFA-PRO) on circulating ketone body concentrations.
Measured: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-30 min and 0 min) and post intake (10 min, 15 min, 22.5 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, and 180 min).
Secondary outcomes (10)
Glucose
To measure the effect of Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT) and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Propionate (SCFA-PRO) on circulating glucose.
Measured: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-30 min and 0 min) and post intake (10 min, 15 min, 22.5 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, and 180 min).
Fatty acids
To measure the effect of Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT) and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Propionate (SCFA-PRO) on circulating Short-Chain Fatty Acids.
Measured: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-30 min and 0 min) and post intake (10 min, 15 min, 22.5 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, and 180 min).
Flow mediated dilation measurement
To measure the vasodilatory effects of the short-chain fatty acids butyrate (SCFA-BUT) and propionate (SCFA-PRO) during flow-mediated dilation measurement.
Measured: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (min -15) and post intake (min 90).
Resting metabolic rate
To measure the effect of Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT) and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Propionate (SCFA-PRO) on resting metabolic rate.
Measured: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (min -15) and post intake (30 min, 60 min, 120 min)
Respiratory exchange ratio
To measure the effect of Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT) and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Propionate (SCFA-PRO) on respiratory exchange ratio.
Measured: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (min -15) and post intake (30 min, 60 min, 120 min)
Fatty Acid Composition
To measure the effect of Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT) and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Propionate (SCFA-PRO) on fatty acid composition.
Measured: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-30 min and 0 min) and post intake (10 min, 15 min, 22.5 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, and 180 min).
Metabolites
To measure the effect of Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT) and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Propionate (SCFA-PRO) on circulating ketone body concentrations.
Measured: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-30 min and 0 min) and post intake (10 min, 15 min, 22.5 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, and 180 min).
Hepatokines
To measure the effect Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT) and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Propionate (SCFA-PRO) on circulating hepatokine concentrations.
Measured: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-30 min and 0 min) and post intake (10 min, 15 min, 22.5 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, and 180 min).
HOMA-Index
To measure the effect of Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT) and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Propionate (SCFA-PRO) on HOMO-index.
Measured: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-30 min and 0 min) and post intake (10 min, 15 min, 22.5 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, and 180 min).
Satiety
To measure the effect of Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT) and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Propionate (SCFA-PRO) on satiety using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), going from 0 (none) to 10 (worst possible) at a 10cm scale.
Measured: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-15 min) and post intake (30 min, 60 min, 90 min and 120 min).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 Sep 2025
- Study start10 Sep 2025
- Primary completion20 Feb 2026
- Study completion1 Sep 2030 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for HealhtyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of CopenhagenThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 10 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Copenhagen
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07183488
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- H-25038908
- Acronym
- SCFA
- Status last verified
- Nov 2025
- First submitted
- 27 Aug 2025
- Last updated
- 10 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Metabolic Effects of Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Healthy Individuals
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07183488
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SCFA / H-25038908
- Conditions
- Healhty, Other: Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA), Other: Butyrate (C4), Other: Propionate (C3)
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 10 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of CopenhagenUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Sep 2030 (estimated)
- First posted
- 19 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the acute physiological and metabolic effects of ingesting the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA)s propionate (three carbon atoms long; C3:0) and butyrate (C4:0) in healthy men and women. This aim will be addressed through a block-randomized cross-over study including two visits with acute intake of propionate and butyrate, respectively.
The hypothesis is that plasma ketone body levels will increase during the first three hours after intake of butyrate, but not propionate, in healthy individuals in the overnight fasted state.
Detailed description
The study will be conducted as a block-randomized cross-over study in healty participants (n=10). The participants will undergo two experimental days of three hours separated by a two to four weeks wash-out period. At the test days, participants will consume 3 grams of either propionate or butyrate in the form of sodium-propionate or sodium-butyrate together with 250 ml of water. The order of ingestion is determined by randomization.
The day prior to the experimental days, participants will consume a standardized control dinner and evening snack and abstain from alcohol and vigorous physical activity to ensure similar conditions on the experimental days. The standardized meal will be provided to the participants. On the test days, participants will be instructed to arrive by passive transport in an overnight fasted state (10 hours). Upon arrival, a DXA scan will be performed, after which a catheter will be inserted into an antecubital vein. Following 30 minutes of supine rest, baseline measurements will be performed, including indirect calorimetry, blood pressure measurement, flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), and a fasting venous blood sample. Participants will then ingest 3 grams of propionate or butyrate within 5 minutes, together with 250 ml of water. After ingestion, participants will remain resting in bed for 3 hours, during which blood samples (15 ml each) will be collected continuously throughout the test day. Indirect calorimetry, blood pressure measurements, and FMD will be repeated at various time points post-ingestion. The test day will end with an ad libitum meal. The entire procedure will be repeated on the second test day.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Female | Experimental | Other: Propionate followed by Butyrate, Other: Butyrate followed by Propionate |
| Male | Experimental | Other: Propionate followed by Butyrate, Other: Butyrate followed by Propionate |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Male or female.
- Age between 18-40 years old
- BMI between 18.5-29
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Diabetes
- Kidney- or liver disease
- Pregnant, lactating or planning to become pregnant within the study period
- Supplementation with SCFAs
- Supplementation with B12 vitamin
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Propionate followed by ButyrateThe participants will consume Short-chain fatty acid propionate (SCFA-PRO) followed by Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT). | Other | Male |
| Butyrate followed by Propionate• The participants will consume Short-chain fatty acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT) followed by Short-Chain Fatty Acid Propionate (SCFA-PRO). | Other | Male |
| Propionate followed by Butyrate• The participants will consume Short-Chain Fatty Acid propionate (SCFA-PRO) followed by Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT). | Other | Female |
| Butyrate followed by PropionateThe participants will consume Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT) followed by Short-Chain Fatty Acid Propionate (SCFA-PRO). | Other | Female |
Primary outcome
Ketone Bodies
Time frame: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-30 min and 0 min) and post intake (10 min, 15 min, 22.5 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, and 180 min).
To measure the effect of Short-Chain Fatty Acid Butyrate (SCFA-BUT) and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Propionate (SCFA-PRO) on circulating ketone body concentrations.
10 secondary outcomes
Glucose
Time frame: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-30 min and 0 min) and post intake (10 min, 15 min, 22.5 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, and 180 min).
Fatty acids
Time frame: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-30 min and 0 min) and post intake (10 min, 15 min, 22.5 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, and 180 min).
Flow mediated dilation measurement
Time frame: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (min -15) and post intake (min 90).
Resting metabolic rate
Time frame: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (min -15) and post intake (30 min, 60 min, 120 min)
Respiratory exchange ratio
Time frame: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (min -15) and post intake (30 min, 60 min, 120 min)
Fatty Acid Composition
Time frame: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-30 min and 0 min) and post intake (10 min, 15 min, 22.5 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, and 180 min).
Metabolites
Time frame: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-30 min and 0 min) and post intake (10 min, 15 min, 22.5 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, and 180 min).
Hepatokines
Time frame: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-30 min and 0 min) and post intake (10 min, 15 min, 22.5 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, and 180 min).
HOMA-Index
Time frame: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-30 min and 0 min) and post intake (10 min, 15 min, 22.5 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, and 180 min).
Satiety
Time frame: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-15 min) and post intake (30 min, 60 min, 90 min and 120 min).
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Andreas M Fritzen, Associate Professor contact
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Propionate followed by Butyrate and Butyrate followed by Propionate in people with Healhty and Other: Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA), run by University of Copenhagen at 1 site in Denmark.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Denmark. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Amalie S Frederiksen, PhD student (+4528899561, amalie.sfrederiksen@sund.ku.dk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Ketone Bodies (time frame: On day 1 (test day 1) and day 2 (test day 2) at baseline (-30 min and 0 min) and post intake (10 min, 15 min, 22.5 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, and 180 min).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Mar 2026.