BUTYRIC ACID: The Gut Health Game Changer

Have you ever experienced that strong, pungent smell from cheeses like parmesan or rancid butter? That distinctive odour comes, in part, from butyric acid. The name “butyric acid” actually originates from the Latin word butyrum, meaning butter, as it was first discovered in rancid butter.

When butyric acid is released from fats, it gives off a rather unpleasant odour. Despite this, many experts believe butyric acid is a secret weapon for gut health. But why?

What is butyric acid?

Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) naturally produced when beneficial gut bacteria break down or ferment dietary fibre. Here’s why it’s essential for your health:

• Butyric acid, along with other SCFAs, is the main fuel source for your colon cells. In people who eat a high-fibre diet, SCFAs may supply up to 10–15% of the body’s total daily energy needs!^1,2
• Butyric acid may play a beneficial role in supporting gut health. Researchers have found that it helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal lining by supporting tight junctions between cells³ and promoting the protective mucus layer.⁴

What does the research say about butyric acid?

Recent studies have spotlighted butyric acid (often referred to as butyrate, including its salt form, such as sodium butyrate), revealing its potential supportive role in digestive health. Studies suggest that butyrate supplementation may help improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), particularly in individuals with diarrhea-predominant IBS. Ongoing research is also exploring its broader role in supporting gut barrier function and maintaining a healthy intestinal environment. Here’s what we know:

Several clinical studies have explored the potential benefits of butyrate supplementation for improving IBS symptoms:

• Large observational study: In a study involving 2,990 patients with IBS, supplementation with 150 mg of microencapsulated sodium butyrate twice daily for 12 weeks led to significant improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, and reported quality of life.⁵
• Randomized clinical trial: A double-blind study of 66 patients with IBS found that microencapsulated sodium butyrate, taken alongside standard therapy, significantly reduced pain during defecation after 4 weeks. After 12 weeks, patients also experienced improvements in bowel urgency and stool consistency.⁶
• Additional studies: Other research suggests that butyrate may help maintain intestinal barrier function and modulate gut motility, which could contribute to symptom improvement in IBS.⁷

Natural sources of butyric acid

So, how can you get more of this powerhouse molecule? It’s simple! Load up on fibre. The more fibre you consume, the more butyric acid your body naturally produces. Focus on foods rich in resistant starches, such as fruits and legumes. Your gut bacteria thrive on resistant starches that your body can’t digest. Even foods like oats, beans, rice, and potatoes (when cooked and cooled) are packed with resistant starch, which helps boost butyrate production.

Bonus: Dairy products, such as butter, ghee, milk, and certain aged cheeses (like parmesan), naturally contain butyric acid. Other animal fats and fermented foods like sauerkraut may contain trace amounts, but their contribution is minimal compared to fibre fermentation in the colon. Butter, in particular, is one of the richest sources; approximately 3–4% of butter’s total fat content naturally consists of butyric acid.

Supplementation: How much butyric acid do you need?

Typical supplemental doses of sodium butyrate are 150–300 mg per day. In individuals with gastrointestinal conditions such as IBS, butyrate supplementation may help support gut health and assist in managing symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and pain. Depending on the gastrointestinal condition, higher doses of up to 1000 mg per day have been used in some studies.

Look for enteric softgels as they protect butyric acid from being broken down in the stomach and ensure its targeted release in the colon, where it can support gut health. Combine with prebiotic fibres such as PGX® and inulin, which can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, including butyrate-producing bacteria.

Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotics produce lactate, which can help support the growth of your gut’s natural butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Faecalibacterium and Roseburia.

Your gut is fundamental to your overall health. By consuming fibre-rich, probiotic foods and using strategic supplements, you can enhance the benefits of butyric acid and support your digestive system.

References:

1. Brahe LK, Astrup A, Larsen LH. Is butyrate the link between diet, intestinal microbiota and obesity-related metabolic diseases? Obesity Rev. 2013; 14(12):950-9.
2. Bergman EN. Energy contributions of volatile fatty acids from the gastrointestinal tract in various species. Physiol Rev. 1990; 70(2):567-90.
3. Peng L, Li Z, Green RS, et al. Butyrate enhances the intestinal barrier by facilitating tight junction assembly via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in Caco-2 cell monolayers. J Nutr. 2009; 139(9):1619-25.
4. Silva JPB, Navegantes-Lima KC, Oliveira ALB, et al. Protective mechanisms of butyrate on inflammatory bowel disease. Curr Pharm Des. 2018; 24(35):4154-66.
5. Lewandowski K, Kaniewska M, Karłowicz K, et al. The effectiveness of microencapsulated sodium butyrate at reducing symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Przegla̜d Gastroenterolog. 2022; 17(1):
6. Banasiewicz T, Krokowicz Ł, Stojcev Z, et al. Microencapsulated sodium butyrate reduces the frequency of abdominal pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Colorectal Dis. 2013; 15(2):204-9.7.
7. Hodgkinson K, El Abbar F, Dobranowski P, et al. Butyrate’s role in human health and the current progress towards its clinical application to treat gastrointestinal disease. Clin Nutr. 2023; 42(2):61-75.