HealthAugust 16, 2026

phenylpropionate

FEN-ul-PRO-pee-uh-nayt

Definition

A beneficial chemical compound produced by gut bacteria when they digest certain indigestible plant proteins.

Etymology

The word is a chemical name formed by combining 'phenyl' (derived from the Greek 'phainein' meaning to show, referring to the benzene-related radical) and 'propionate' (the salt or ester of propionic acid).

In the news

The article identifies phenylpropionate as a beneficial byproduct produced by gut microbes when they are fueled by 'Prif' proteins, suggesting it plays a positive role in metabolic health.

Scientists warn your gut bacteria could literally start ‘eating you’ if you don’t get enough fibre

Read the full article ↗

UNILAD

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