The content of 12-MMA in the conditioned culture medium of Bl. producta and in the cecal materials and serum of Bl. producta-treated animals was quantified by GC/MS. Preparation of fatty acid methyl esters and GC/MS analysis were performed as previously reported.49 (link) The pure 12-MMA was used as a standard reference. Fatty acid methyl esters were separated using an Elite 5-MS column and monitored by mass spectrometry (Clarus 500-SQ8S, Perkin Elmer, Courtaboeuf, France). The cecal and serum content of acetate was quantified by GC/MS analysis as previously reported.50 (link) N-methylbenzylamine-d0/d3 was applied as the chemical derivatization reagent to enhance the sensitivity and accuracy.