Butyrate

Endogenous butyrate from fibre is clearly beneficial. Exogenous supplementation has plausible rationale but oral forms may be absorbed before reaching the colon.

A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.

Butyrate is the preferred fuel of colonocytes and a potent HDAC inhibitor. Animal studies show robust gut-barrier benefits. Human trials of oral butyrate supplements are few and results are mixed, partly due to absorption kinetics.

• Primary fuel source for colonocytes
• HDAC inhibitor with epigenetic effects
• Supports gut-barrier integrity in preclinical models

300–600 mg of sodium butyrate 2–3 times daily. Enteric-coated or tributyrin forms may improve colonic delivery.

• Strong unpleasant taste and odour
• GI cramping
• Belching

Strong unpleasant odour (rancid butter). Enteric-coated forms are preferable for colonic delivery.

Most oral butyrate is absorbed in the upper GI tract, potentially missing the target colonic cells. Eating adequate fibre may be more effective.

• Immunity38
• Longevity35