What is butyrate?
Butyrate refers to a type of short-chain fatty acid. (2)
Butyrate is pronounced “byoo-ter’ate”. (1)
What does butyrate do?
plays an important role in digestive system health by providing the main energy source for the colon cells. (1)
Butyrate meets about 70% of the colon cells energy needs. (1)
may support immune system, reducing inflammation, and preventing cancer (1)
could encourage weight loss, stabilize blood sugars, maintain or improve intestinal function, and protect against or help treat disease. (1)
appears to have beneficial effect on gut health (2)
What produces butyrate?
Good bacteria in the gut help the body break down dietary fiber in the large intestine to produce butyrate. (1)
The healthy gut bacteria produce butyrate from dietary soluble, fermentable fibers that only they can break down. (1)
What happens with low level of butyrate?
may have a higher risk of infection or inflammation in the gut (1)
What are types of butyrate?
butyric acid (butanoic) – a chemically modified version of butyrate, sometimes used in foods and supplements (1)
ethyl butyrate – flavor enhancer (1)
hydrocortisone butyrate – corticosteroid (1)
sodium butyrate – used in supplements (1)
What foods contains butyrate?
butter (1)
prebiotics and supplements that are high in fiber (1)
Resources
1. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/butyrate-benefits/
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/bananas#nutrition
