Abstract: Delivery to the colon of fatty acids especially Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) can be effected by covalently linking SCFA to a carrier that is preferably a form of carbohydrate, by an ester link. The SCFA is protected by its link with the carbohydrate through the small intestine, and where the carbohydrate is digestible in the small intestine such as a digestible starch, the starch can also be protected from digestion in the small intestine by the substitution. Levels of SCFA such as acetate, propionate and butyrate may be elevated to have beneficial effects in the prevention of colonic disorders such as rectal cancer, diverticulities, colitis, diarrhea and constipation.