Fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have scientific evidence supporting their role in supporting small intestine health. These essential fatty acids are integral to maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier, reducing inflammation, and supporting the health of enterocytes (cells lining the intestinal wall). Scientific studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can modulate inflammatory responses in the gut, which is crucial in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other inflammatory disorders of the small intestine.

Research published in peer-reviewed journals indicates that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and improve mucosal healing. Additionally, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are produced by fermentation of dietary fibers by gut microbiota, serve as a primary energy source for colonocytes and play a role in maintaining intestinal barrier function and immune modulation. However, while SCFAs are more directly associated with the colon, their supportive effects can extend to the terminal ileum, the last part of the small intestine.

Overall, there is a strong scientific basis for the use of specific fatty acids in supporting the structure and function of the small intestine, particularly in inflammatory conditions. The evidence is robust, though not all fatty acids have the same effect, and the majority of studies focus on omega-3s and SCFAs.