Sodium butyrate has garnered scientific interest for its potential role in supporting the management of Crohn's disease, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory properties and beneficial effects on the gut barrier. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid naturally produced by the fermentation of dietary fiber by gut microbiota, and it serves as a primary energy source for colonocytes (cells lining the colon). In Crohn's disease, there is often a deficiency of butyrate-producing bacteria and impaired intestinal barrier function.

Several small-scale studies and animal models suggest that sodium butyrate may help reduce inflammation and improve mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease. For example, some clinical trials have explored the use of butyrate enemas or oral supplementation, with mixed results—some reporting improvement in symptoms and mucosal healing, while others found minimal or no benefit. A 2015 review in the World Journal of Gastroenterology noted that while preclinical evidence is promising, human studies are limited, often underpowered, and show variable efficacy.

Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale and some supporting evidence for sodium butyrate in Crohn's disease, the overall level of evidence remains low to moderate (rated 2/5), and it is not considered a standard therapy. Larger, high-quality clinical trials are needed to clarify its efficacy and safety in this context.