Synopsis

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

Butyrate triglyceride is a triglyceride form of butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid produced naturally in the colon by bacterial fermentation of dietary fibers. The rationale for its use in supporting or treating Fatty Liver Disease (FLD), particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is grounded in emerging preclinical evidence. Animal studies have shown that butyrate supplementation can reduce hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and markers of oxidative stress. The proposed mechanisms include improvement of gut barrier function, modulation of gut microbiota, reduction of systemic and hepatic inflammation, and activation of signaling pathways such as AMPK and PPAR-α, which promote fatty acid oxidation in the liver.

However, the bulk of the evidence to date comes from rodent models. For example, dietary butyrate supplementation reduced hepatic triglyceride accumulation and improved insulin sensitivity in high-fat diet-fed mice. Some in vitro studies using hepatocytes have also shown beneficial effects. Human clinical studies, especially with the specific form butyrate triglyceride (rather than sodium butyrate or butyric acid), are extremely limited or absent as of 2024. Consequently, while there is a scientific rationale and promising preclinical data, robust human evidence is lacking. Thus, the current scientific support for butyrate triglyceride in the management of FLD remains preliminary, justifying a moderate-low evidence rating.

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Other ingredients used for Fatty Liver Disease

Other health conditions supported by butyrate triglyceride

Products containing butyrate triglyceride

Douglas Laboratories MCT/Butyrate Liquid with SunButyrate™
Pure Encapsulations SunButyrate-TG