Synopsis

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

Tributyrin is a triglyceride form of butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced naturally in the colon via gut microbial fermentation of dietary fibers. There is emerging scientific interest in the use of tributyrin as a supplement for supporting gut health, including in conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The rationale is based on the role of butyrate in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, reducing inflammation, and modulating gut motility—all factors relevant to IBS pathophysiology.

While direct clinical studies on tributyrin supplementation in IBS patients are limited, several preclinical and small-scale human studies suggest potential benefits. Butyrate enemas and oral butyrate have shown some efficacy in reducing symptoms in IBS and other functional bowel disorders, likely by improving epithelial barrier function and modulating immune responses. Tributyrin, with its enhanced bioavailability compared to free butyrate, is hypothesized to deliver butyrate more effectively to the colon.

However, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically evaluating tributyrin in IBS are sparse. Existing evidence is mainly extrapolated from studies using butyrate or from animal models. As such, while there is a plausible scientific basis and some preliminary evidence supporting its use, the strength of direct clinical evidence remains moderate to low at this time.

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Designs For Health Tri-Butyrin Supreme™