Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), is produced naturally in the colon by the bacterial fermentation of dietary fibers. Its use in diverticulitis is mainly supported by preclinical and some clinical evidence, though it is not a standard or universally accepted therapy. Butyric acid is believed to play a role in maintaining colonic mucosal integrity, modulating inflammation, and supporting epithelial cell health. Several small clinical studies and pilot trials have investigated the effects of oral or rectal butyrate supplementation in patients with diverticular disease (which includes both diverticulosis and symptomatic diverticulitis). Some studies have noted improvement in symptoms such as abdominal pain and bowel habit irregularities, with reductions in inflammation markers, suggesting a potential benefit in managing mild or chronic forms of the disease. However, these studies tend to be small, of short duration, and sometimes lack rigorous controls, resulting in a moderate to low quality of evidence. There is a plausible biological mechanism for benefit, as butyrate is a key energy source for colonocytes and has anti-inflammatory properties. However, there is not yet robust, large-scale clinical evidence to firmly establish efficacy or recommend routine use in diverticulitis. Overall, while scientific rationale and some clinical data exist, the evidence is still limited, and more well-designed studies are needed to fully validate the use of butyric acid in diverticulitis treatment.

More about butyric acid
More about Diverticulitis

Other ingredients used for Diverticulitis

Other health conditions supported by butyric acid

Products containing butyric acid

Douglas Laboratories MCT/Butyrate Liquid with SunButyrate™