Bacteria that live in the large intestine produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by breaking down undigested carbohydrates. Butyric acid is one of these SCFAs produced by the body, and it is critical for the normal metabolism and growth of intestinal cells, particularly colonocytes (the cells that line the colon).
Quantitative studies using stable isotope methods estimate that colonic butyrate production in healthy adults is typically in the range of 10–20 mmol over 12 hours after inulin ingestion, which extrapolates to approximately 2–4 grams per day. Current evidence indicates that daily butyrate production in humans is usually less than 5 grams1.
However, the level of butyric acid production can dip due to poor dietary choices, an adverse change in the composition of the gut microbiome (the ecosystem of microbes in the intestine), and specific undesirable health conditions. A nutritional supplement can be a suitable alternative for maintaining a normal butyric acid level.
What is the best butyric acid supplement to promote a healthy gut? This post explains the absorption challenges associated with butyrate supplements, the different types of delivery routes, innovative formulations, and the features of the best butyric acid supplement.
Best Butyric Acid Supplement for Oral Intake
The best butyric acid supplement should overcome palatability and absorption challenges. Most commercially available butyric acid supplements are rapidly absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract (which lowers efficacy) and may have an unpalatable taste and odor.
The following table highlights the features of the best butyric acid nutritional supplement and what features you should look for on the product label:
| Choosing the Best Butyric Acid Supplement | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Description | What to Look for | |
| Absorbability | Butyric acid should be easily absorbed, preferably in a sustained-release format. | A butyric acid complex that provides for optimal absorption. For example, the inclusion of probiotic strains in the formula or the use of encapsulation techniques to shield them from gastric degradation. Probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus may upregulate MCT1 and counteract factors that inhibit butyrate uptake, further supporting absorption2. | |
| Palatability | The formulation should mask butyrate’s unpleasant taste and odor. | An encapsulated butyric acid formulation. | |
| Innovative nutrient delivery | Innovative approaches that optimize the absorption of butyric acid molecules through targeted delivery. | A cyclodextrin complex that achieves the targeted delivery of butyric acid molecules at the desired point in the intestinal tract. | |
Although rectal administration of butyric acid is also available, it is an invasive procedure that requires medical supervision. Oral supplementation of butyric acid is the easiest and most cost-effective method of delivery.
Absorption Challenges of Butyric Acid
With regard to butyric acid’s absorption, the primary issue is not the extent of the absorption; but rather, the absorption site.
Butyric acid is rapidly absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract because of the high concentration gradient between the colonic lumen (the inner cavity within the colon) and colonocytes. Butyric acid is almost completely metabolized in the colonic epithelial cells, which results in only a small amount entering the bloodstream.
The following table summarizes several factors that contribute to butyric acid’s rapid absorption and elimination from the body:3
| Butyric Acid’s Absorption Challenges | ||
|---|---|---|
| Physico-chemical properties | Since butyric acid is a water-soluble compound with a relatively small molecular mass, it is easily absorbed across cell membranes. | |
| High concentration gradient | There is a higher concentration of butyric acid in the colonic lumen than in the colonocytes, which leads to its rapid absorption. | |
| Rapid metabolism | Butyric acid is metabolized by the colonocytes to produce and release energy. If the metabolic rate increases in cases of intestinal damage, then it can result in higher butyric acid uptake. | |
For a butyric acid nutritional supplement to achieve optimal absorption, its release should be slowed down during its transit through the stomach.
ProButyrate® — A Novel Butyric Acid Supplement
Tesseract Medical Research’s ProButyrate® is an innovative butyric acid supplement complex that achieves the sustained release of the active ingredient. Tesseract’s hypoallergenic formula contains a natural butyric acid proprietary complex that contains stabilized natural butyric acid as a soluble, individual, free fatty acid. Tesseract’s proprietary CyLoc® —DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology enhances the absorption of butyric acid at the desired point in the intestinal tract to achieve targeted delivery and unparalleled absorption.
The following table summarizes why ProButyrate® is one of the best butyric acid nutritional supplements available:
| Why is ProButyrate® the Best Butyric Acid Supplement? | ||
|---|---|---|
| It contains a natural butyric acid proprietary complex developed for sustained release and optimal absorption of butyrate molecules. | ||
| It is a cyclodextrin complex formulation that provides for targeted delivery and enhanced bioavailability of butyric acid. | ||
| The formulation masks butyric acid’s unpleasant taste and odor, making it easy to ingest orally. | ||
| ProButyrate is manufactured following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), including the most appropriate and scientifically-advanced analytical techniques and a well-designed quality control system. | ||
Frequently Asked Questions About Butyric Acid Nutritional Supplements
Are there side effects to taking a butyric acid supplement?
The positive safety profile of butyric acid is well-established. No toxicity or significant adverse side effects have been reported. Butyric acid supplements are usually well-tolerated, even when ingested in high amounts.
Can I take a butyric acid supplement with a prescription medicine?
Consult your health-care provider before including a butyric acid nutritional supplement in your daily routine or in conjunction with prescription medicine and/or other nutritional supplements, as contraindications may exist.
How do I store a butyric acid nutritional supplement?
Butyric acid nutritional supplements should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight, in a tightly sealed container. Refrigeration is generally not needed for storage.
What is the shelf life of a butyric acid nutritional supplement?
Butyric acid nutritional supplements typically have a shelf life of 12-24 months from the date of manufacture. Tesseract’s innovative ProButyrate nutritional supplement has a shelf life of 36 months.
Can dietary changes reduce the need for a butyric acid supplement?
There is no simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer to this question. Changes to your daily diet or inclusion of any nutritional supplement in your daily health and wellness routine should first be discussed with your healthcare provider.
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing solubility, absorption, and bioavailability, and micro-dosing multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Shop products on our website and learn more about how they support your gastrointestinal health.*
Reference:
1Boets E, Deroover L, Houben E, et al. Quantification of in Vivo Colonic Short Chain Fatty Acid Production from Inulin. Nutrients. 2015;7(11):8916-8929. Published 2015 Oct 28. doi:10.3390/nu7115440
2Kumar A, Alrefai WA, Borthakur A, Dudeja PK. Lactobacillus acidophilus counteracts enteropathogenic E. coli-induced inhibition of butyrate uptake in intestinal epithelial cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2015;309(7):G602-G607. doi:10.1152/ajpgi.00186.2015
3Banasiewicz T, et al. Determination of butyric acid dosage based on clinical and experimental studies – a literature review. Przeglad Gastroenterologiczny vol. 15,2 (2020):119-125. doi:10.5114/pg.2020.95556
