Butyric acid (butanoic acid) is a Short Chain Fatty Acid found naturally in the human digestive tract. It is produced from the breakdown of dietary fibre in the colon in the presence of beneficial bacteria. Butyrate supplements have been found to help reduce inflammation in the colon and may help to stop unhealthy cell growth and slow memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.

What Is Butyrate?

Butyric Acid to Butyrate

Butyric acid (now known as butanoic acid) can easily form a salt in the digestive tract by binding to a positive ion, which results in the formation of butyrate (now butanoate). There are many forms of butyrate available, such as salts of methyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate, butyl butyrate, pentyl butyrate, and even sodium butyrate. Alternatively, butyrate can be part of a larger molecule and the name will contain “-butyro-“ within it.

Health Benefits of Butyrate

The presence of butyrate in the digestive tract has been shown to reduce inflammatory responses in colon cells. This has made it useful in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) like Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. It has been shown to reduce the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-g) in the gut, a major pro-inflammatory cytokine. Direct supplementation can thus help to reduce inflammation, particularly in the digestive tract. Alternatively, increasing prebiotic fibre and providing probiotics can help to bring the digestive tract back into its own balance and allow for the body’s natural production of butyrate once again.

Sodium Butyrate As A Supplement

A butyrate salt called sodium butyrate is sometimes formed during digestion in the presence of sodium and fibre in your gut. It can also be manufactured and directly supplemented. This molecule has been found to strongly detoxify ammonia and neurotoxins in the gut, as well as promote the growth of healthy gastrointestinal flora. Recent research in mice has found that supplementation in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease improved memory function. It has also been found to stop the growth of certain abnormal cells, particularly in the colon. All of this research is preliminary (in animals and cell culture), so further research is required before we can be sure of the same benefits in humans.

Where To Buy Butyrate Supplements

Simply ingesting healthy prebiotic Fiber along with beneficial Probiotics can work together to allow for your body’s own natural production of butyrate. Butyrate salts can also be found alone and in supplements for colon and mental health. There is no established therapeutic dose of butyrate, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions on any supplements that you may purchase.