Butyric acid
Synopsis
Butyric acid, also known as butanoic acid, is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) naturally produced in the colon through the fermentation of dietary fiber by beneficial gut bacteria—especially Firmicutes species like Clostridium butyricum. It plays a critical role in gut health, immune regulation, and metabolic homeostasis, acting as a primary fuel source for colon cells (colonocytes) and a key signaling molecule in the gut–immune–brain axis.
Butyric acid supports:
- Intestinal barrier integrity, helping prevent or repair “leaky gut” by enhancing tight junction function
- Anti-inflammatory activity, reducing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting regulatory T-cell (Treg) activity
- Gut microbiome balance, inhibiting pathogenic bacteria and fostering beneficial microbial communities
- Cellular energy production in the colon
- Detoxification and epigenetic regulation, through histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition
- Insulin sensitivity and metabolic function, with emerging research on its role in obesity and type 2 diabetes
Due to its strong, unpleasant odor and taste, butyric acid is often delivered as:
- Sodium butyrate or calcium/magnesium butyrate – buffered salt forms
- Butyrate triglyceride – fat-encapsulated for colon-targeted release
- Enteric-coated capsules to ensure it reaches the lower intestine
Historical and Scientific Context:
Butyric acid was first identified in the 19th century from rancid butter—its name derives from butyrum, Latin for butter. Though not used in traditional herbal medicine directly, the health effects of fiber-rich diets—which promote natural butyrate production—have long been recognized in traditional healing systems, particularly for digestive and inflammatory disorders.
With the rise of microbiome research, butyric acid has been spotlighted as one of the most critical postbiotics for maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Clinical studies have shown its effectiveness in:
- Managing inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Healing colonic ulcers and diverticulitis
- Improving gut–brain axis signaling in mood and neurodegenerative conditions
Today, butyric acid is used in functional medicine and gastrointestinal protocols to help restore gut integrity, immune balance, and metabolic function, especially in individuals with IBD, IBS, leaky gut, or dysbiosis. It represents a cornerstone compound in postbiotic and microbiome-targeted therapy.
Uses: Health Conditions
Abdominal Pain (Scientific)
Acid Indigestion (Neither)
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Scientific)
Appetite (deficient) (Neither)
Appetite (excessive) (Neither)
Asthma (Neither)
Autism (Neither)
Backache (Neither)
Body Building (Neither)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Neither)
Cholesterol (high) (Neither)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Neither)
Colitis (Scientific)
Concentration (poor) (Neither)
Constipation (adults) (Scientific)
Crohn's Disease (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Diarrhea (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Scientific)
Diverticulitis (Scientific)
Fatigue (Neither)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Gastritis (Scientific)
Gas and Bloating (Scientific)
Glaucoma (Neither)
Headache (general) (Neither)
Heart (weakness) (Neither)
Hypertension (Neither)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Scientific)
Insomnia (Neither)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Scientific)
Lactose Intolerance (Neither)
Leaky Gut Syndrome (Scientific)
Liver Detoxification (Neither)
Body Systems
Digestive System (Science)
Immune System (Science)
Intestinal System (Science)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Peyer’s patches (Traditional)
Rectum (Traditional)
Small Intestines (Traditional)