The Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) is a semi-permeable membrane of endothelial cells that separates the bloodstream from the brain's extracellular fluid. It tightly controls which molecules can enter the brain—protecting neural tissue from toxins while allowing essential nutrients and signaling molecules.
Key Functions
- •Protection — blocks pathogens, toxins, and many drugs
- •Selective transport — allows glucose, amino acids, and specific metabolites
- •SCFA passage — short-chain fatty acids from gut fermentation can cross and reduce neuroinflammation
- •Gut-brain link — microbiome metabolites influence brain health through BBB transport
In ONDA Life
Prebiotic fiber and a healthy microbiome produce SCFAs that cross the Blood-Brain Barrier to support cognitive function. See the Gut-Brain Axis article.