Butyrate: what it is and what it is used for

The gut is not only key to digestion; it also influences the immune system, metabolism, and even our mental well-being. That’s why there is increasing research into certain substances produced in the gut itself, such as butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid with profoundly beneficial effects.

In this article, we explain what butyrate is, what it’s for, how it’s produced, and when it may be useful to take it as a supplement—especially if you’re looking to improve your digestive health from the inside out.

What is butyrate?

Butyrate (also known as butyric acid in its free form) is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that is naturally produced in the gut when certain bacteria ferment the dietary fiber we consume. Although its name may sound technical, butyrate plays a key role in the health of the digestive system and extends far beyond the gut.

Specifically, it is one of the main energy sources for colon cells (called colonocytes), helping to maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier and taking part in anti-inflammatory, immune, and metabolic processes.

Our body does not obtain it directly from food but depends on a balanced gut microbiota and a fiber-rich diet to generate it in sufficient amounts.

What is butyrate used for?

Butyrate fulfills multiple essential functions for health, both at the intestinal and systemic levels. Although it is locally produced in the large intestine, its impact extends to other parts of the body. Here are its main benefits:

1. Nourishes and protects the gut: Butyrate is the main energy source for colon cells (colonocytes). By nourishing them, it helps maintain a strong, healthy intestinal lining, supporting the integrity of the gut barrier and preventing toxins or pathogens from entering the bloodstream.
2. Reduces intestinal inflammation: It acts as a local anti-inflammatory agent, modulating the immune response in the gut. This is especially beneficial in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease.
3. Regulates the microbiota: Butyrate promotes a more balanced gut environment, supporting diversity and stability of the gut microbiota. It may also inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
4. Strengthens the immune system: By acting on the intestinal barrier and modulating inflammation, butyrate supports proper functioning of the immune system, both locally (in the gut) and systemically.
5. Supports metabolism: Butyrate influences glucose and lipid metabolism, and its role in weight control, insulin sensitivity, and the prevention of metabolic diseases is currently being studied.
6. May influence brain health: Through the gut-brain axis, butyrate has been shown to have potential benefits for the nervous system, such as supporting neurotransmitter production or reducing neuroinflammation. This opens the door to its potential use in managing conditions like anxiety, depression, or neurodegenerative diseases (although more clinical evidence is needed).

In short, butyrate is not only essential for maintaining a healthy gut but also plays a role in key processes related to immunity, metabolism, and overall health. Its ability to reduce inflammation, strengthen the gut barrier, and modulate the microbiota makes it a vital ally for both digestive and systemic well-being.

How is butyrate obtained?

The body doesn’t get butyrate directly from food—it is naturally produced in the large intestine. In some cases, it can also be obtained through specific supplementation. These are the two main ways to obtain it:

1. Natural production in the gut: Butyrate is generated when certain beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiota ferment indigestible dietary fibers (especially soluble fibers and prebiotics like inulin, FOS, or resistant starch). This process mainly occurs in the colon and depends on two key factors:
   • A fiber-rich diet (vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, tubers).
   • A balanced microbiome with butyrate-producing bacteria (such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia, or Eubacterium).
   
   

   A low-fiber diet or gut dysbiosis can significantly reduce butyrate production.

2. Butyrate supplementation: When natural production is insufficient or there is an imbalance in the gut, butyrate can be taken as a supplement. There are different forms available:
   
   • Butyrate salts (such as sodium or calcium butyrate).
   • Microencapsulated or coated formulations to ensure the compound reaches the colon without breaking down.
   • Combinations with prebiotics or probiotics that enhance its synergistic effect.

   Supplementation can be helpful for people with digestive disorders, chronic gut inflammation, after antibiotic use, or for those with a very low-fiber diet.

When is it helpful to take butyrate supplements?

Although the ideal scenario is for butyrate to be produced naturally through a fiber-rich diet and a healthy microbiota, supplementation can be useful or necessary in certain situations—especially when there are intestinal imbalances or persistent digestive issues.

Here are some situations where butyrate supplementation is recommended:

1. Chronic gut disorders: People with inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may benefit from butyrate due to its anti-inflammatory and mucosal healing properties.
2. Gut dysbiosis: When the microbiota is out of balance—due to stress, poor diet, infections, or hormonal changes—butyrate levels are often reduced. In these cases, supplementation may help restore gut health.
3. Prolonged antibiotic use: Antibiotics can eliminate butyrate-producing bacteria. After long-term use, supplementation may provide temporary support while the gut flora recovers.
4. Low-fiber diets: People following very low-fiber diets—due to dietary restrictions, medical conditions, or unhealthy habits—may not produce enough butyrate and could benefit from external support.
5. General digestive support: For those with frequent bloating, gut sensitivity, or difficult digestion, butyrate may help improve digestive tolerance, reduce inflammation, and support a more balanced intestinal environment.

In short, butyrate supplements can be a useful tool when natural production in the gut is impaired, whether due to inflammatory diseases, dysbiosis, antibiotics, or a poor diet. In such cases, they can help restore intestinal balance, reduce inflammation, and improve digestive health effectively and safely.

Butyrate is much more than a byproduct of intestinal fermentation: it’s a key molecule for maintaining digestive balance and supporting overall health. From strengthening the gut barrier to modulating inflammation and enhancing the microbiota, its effects are backed by a growing body of scientific research.

Adopting a fiber-rich diet is the first step to boosting its natural production. However, in specific situations, butyrate supplementation can be an effective tool to restore intestinal balance and support essential digestive and metabolic processes. As always, consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions.