Propionate


The propionate, or propanoate ion, is C2H5COO−.
A propionic, or propanoic, compound is a small salt or ester of propionic acid. In these compounds, propionate is often written in shorthand, as CH3CH2CO2 or simply EtCO2.
Propionates should not be confused with propenoates, the ions/salts/esters of propenoic acid.
Propionate is observed to be among the most common short-chain fatty acids produced by human gut microbiota in response to indigestible carbohydrates in the diet. A study in mice suggests that propionate is produced by the bacteria of the genus Bacteroides in the gut, and that it offers some protection against Salmonella there. Another study finds that fatty acid propionate can calm the immune cells that drive up blood pressure, thereby protecting the body from damaging effects of high blood pressure.

Examples

Salts

The Bacteria species Coprothermobacter platensis produces propionate when fermenting gelatin.