Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Organic acids, such as lactic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, have a scientifically validated role in supporting small intestine health. Multiple studies have demonstrated that certain organic acids, particularly SCFAs produced by the fermentation of dietary fibers by gut microbiota, help maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier, modulate inflammation, and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. For example, butyrate is a primary energy source for colonocytes and contributes to maintaining gut barrier function, although its direct effects are more pronounced in the colon than the small intestine. However, organic acids in the diet or as supplements can lower intestinal pH, creating an environment less favorable for pathogens and more supportive of beneficial bacteria even in the small intestine.

Animal and in vitro studies show that adding organic acids to feed can reduce enteric pathogen load (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli) and improve nutrient absorption, which is why organic acids are commonly used in animal husbandry to promote intestinal health. Human studies are less extensive but suggest similar mechanisms may apply, especially in the context of maintaining healthy gut flora and barrier function. However, the evidence is stronger for the colon, with somewhat less direct research on the small intestine specifically, which is reflected in the moderate evidence rating.

More about organic acid (unspecified)
More about Small Intestines

Other ingredients that support Small Intestines

2'-Fucosyllactose
aloe vera
alpha-galactosidase
amino acids
amylase
amylopectin
asparagus
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
bayberry
berberine
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
broccoli
rice
brussel sprouts
butyrate triglyceride
caprylic acid
carrot
chia seed
chicory
cinnamon
coating
colostrum
turmeric
endo-peptidase
exo-peptidase
fennel
fenugreek
fiber blend (proprietary)
flavonols
flaxseed
folate
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fungal protease
ginger
green banana
green tea
gurmar
cellulose
immunoglobin G
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
kale
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-glutamine
lactase
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lactoferrin
lemon
lipase
magnesium
marshmallow
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
n-acetyl-glucosamine
okra
ox bile
pancreatin
parsley
pear
peptidase (DPPIV)
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
phospholipids
phytase
potato starch
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
prolyl endopeptidase (PEP)
protease
protein
butyric acid
pumpkin
saccharomyces boulardii
sardines
slippery elm bark
soybean
spinach
starch
streptococcus thermophilus
sucrase
sulforaphane glucosinolate
tributyrin
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin D
vitamin D3
seaweed
water
watermelon
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
papaya
pterocarpus marsupium
lingzhi
yarrow
bile salt
sodium salt
dioscorea
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
polyphenols
trace minerals
purslane
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
millet seed
herbal blend (proprietary)
chickpea protein
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
ashitaba
Aminopeptidase
Alchornea
Alpha-glycans
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Acemannan
Algal protein
Arabinoxylan
Animal protein
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bacillus indicus
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Brassica
Bran
Bael
Butternut
Bacillus licheniformis
Bile
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bee products
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
bile acid
Bacillus
Buckwheat
Boerhavia diffusa
Bottle gourd
Centella triterpenes
Curry leaf
Cowpea
Cinnamomum
Carvacrol
Cape Aloe
Citrus
Cruciferous
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Corktree
Clostridium butyricum
Debaryomyces hansenii
Diamine Oxidase
Enterococcus
Egg
Eucheuma
Enzyme Blend
Egg protein
Fig
Fiber
Flavonoids
Goldthread
Galactosidase
glucose
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Soy Protein

Other body systems supported by organic acid (unspecified)

Digestive System
Gall Bladder
Gastrointestinal Tract
Gums
Immune System
Intestinal System
Large Intestines (Colon)
Skin
Small Intestines
Spleen
Stomach
Teeth

Products containing organic acid (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.