Butyric acid - sources, properties, action and use

What is butyric acid?

Butyric acid (also butanoic acid) is a short-chain saturated fatty acid that is formed in the body during the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates. Its sources include lactose, inulin, oligofructose, non-starchy polysaccharides and resistant starch, among others. Butyric acid is formed as a result of the bacterial fermentation process that occurs in the large intestine. Carbohydrates that were not previously absorbed in the small intestine are metabolized.

Due to the fact that butyric acid is an unstable compound and has a specific smell, it is not used in the pharmaceutical industry in its pure form. Much more often sodium butyrate is used, i.e. the sodium salt of butyric acid, which is more durable and does not emit a characteristic smell. After ingestion, sodium butyrate is converted to butyric acid in the intestine.

Functions of butyric acid

In general, butyric acid supports the health of the digestive system. It ensures proper intestinal microbiome and contributes to the nourishment of colon epithelial cells. Moreover, it can ensure the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and reduce intestinal barrier dysfunction. In addition, it also shows anti-inflammatory properties. It supports the proliferation of intestinal mucosal epithelial cells and accelerates their regeneration. It improves insulin sensitivity, normalizes bacterial flora and regulates bowel movement rhythm.

Effect of short-chain fatty acids - when is it worthwhile to ensure adequate levels of butyric acid?

Butyric acid has a beneficial effect on the mucous membrane of the large intestine, so it is worth ensuring that its levels in the body are adequate. That is why people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut syndrome and recurrent diarrhea in consultation with their doctor should consider taking sodium butyrate.

Irritable bowel syndrome IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that significantly impedes daily functioning. Intestinal motility disorders occurring with it very often result in diarrhea, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain or irregular bowel movement rhythm.

Researchers indicate that taking supplements containing sodium butyrate may provide relief in patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Patients who took butyric acid regularly experienced milder abdominal pain.

Ulcerative colitis

In inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, patients struggle with chronic intestinal inflammation, which is exacerbated by various factors, such as inadequate diet.

Taking butyric acid supplements in patients with ulcerative colitis and other intestinal diseases accelerates epithelial regeneration and strengthens the protective barrier, thus supporting gastrointestinal health and alleviating symptoms of inflammation.

Colorectal cancer

Butyric acid also has an antioxidant effect. May promote the proliferation of healthy colonocytes, reduce the growth of colon cancer cells and increase their mortality rate. None of the other short-chain fatty acids show this effect. Eating plenty of fiber-rich foods or supplementing with sodium butyrate may help reduce the likelihood of colon and intestinal cancer.

Diarrhea

Taking sodium butyrate supports the process of water and sodium absorption in the intestines and regulates the rhythm of bowel movements. In addition, it reduces the colonization of harmful pathogens, so it can support the body in the fight against diarrhea.

What bacteria are involved in butyric acid synthesis?

As we have already mentioned, butyric acid is synthesized in the human body by intestinal bacteria also known as butyric bacteria or butyric fermentation bacteria. The bacteria involved in this process include anaerobic bacteria of the genus Clostridium — Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium pasteurianum. Their job is to break down polysaccharides into simple sugars. Among other things, butter bacteria break down fiber, pectin and starch.

Butyric acid vs. consumption of resistant starch

The largest amounts of butyric acid in the human body are synthesized from resistant starch, which, unlike traditional starch, does not undergo enzymatic digestion. Resistant starch is formed by when heating products with starch, e.g. when cooking potatoes, groats, rice. This type of starch occurs naturally in unripe bananas and the walls of seeds and nuts. Fermentation of resistant starch takes place in the large intestine with the participation of butyric bacteria.

Butyric acid in food. Where does butyric acid occur?

We can also find butyric acid directly in food. Its main sources are fresh milk, butter, cheese and other dairy products, as well as pickles, such as sauerkraut or pickled cucumbers. Unfortunately, the amount of this ingredient in food is very limited and does not have the same health-promoting effect as butyric acid formed in the digestive tract.

In the food industry, butyric acid is used during cheese fermentation.

How to increase butyric acid within the intestines?

Improper diet may be associated with a number of side effects. Important for the synthesis of butyric acid in the digestive system is the consumption of foods rich in resistant starch. The ingredient enters the large intestine unchanged. There, butyric acid is formed as a result of bacterial fermentation. Foods containing high amounts of resistant starch are mainly green bananas, potatoes, brown rice, cooked lentils, cereal grains, seeds and wheat bran.

Dietary supplements with sodium butyrate - how does sodium butyrate work?

Butyric acid is digested in the upper sections of the digestive tract, even before reaching the intestines. For this reason, taking it in the form of a supplement does not bring the desired results. Instead of butyric acid, in the supplements we can find sodium butyrate in a micro-coat, which allows the active substance to reach all the way to the small intestine and large intestine.

In patients with intestinal flora disorders and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, the benefits of butyric acid are undeniable. Butyrate-containing preparations in the form of encapsulated sodium butyrate support the intestinal microbiome, have a beneficial effect on intestinal motility, and may slow the growth of cancer cells, reducing the risk of cancer development.

The use of sodium butyrate preparations can also bring health benefits to people with excess pounds. Butyric acid can be used in the fight against obesity. In addition, it shows anti-inflammatory effects and protects the intestinal epithelium.

Właściwości kwasu masłowego wspierają prawidłową pracę naszych jelit. Znajdziemy go m.in w suplementach z maślanem sodu.

Sodium butyrate and its dosage

Butyric acid in dietary supplement form is most often available in capsule form. The dosage of sodium butyrate should depend on, among other things, the age and health of the patient. The most commonly recommended dose of this ingredient belonging to short-chain fatty acids is 150-300 mg per day.

In some cases, the recommended dosage of butyric acid can be higher and as high as 1,500 mg per day. There are dietary supplements on the market with a higher than standard dose of butyrate. An excellent example is OstroVit Sodium Butyrate capsules. A single serving of the agent contains as much as 600 mg of the active ingredient. Such a high dose will work especially in people with irritable bowel syndrome or those complaining about unpleasant ailments from the gastrointestinal tract.

Sodium butyrate - side effects

Taking butyric acid in the form of a dietary supplement is very occasionally associated with side effects. Although the use of butyric acid can cause allergic reactions, they are extremely rare. Sodium butyrate is well tolerated by most people. However, be sure not to exceed the daily dose of the supplement.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take sodium butyrate supplementation on their own. Taking butyric acid is worth discussing with your doctor.

Although sodium butyrate still hides many secrets, in recent years there has been increasing knowledge of this compound that undergoes transformation by bacterial fermentation. Butyric acid not only supports intestinal health, but can also act as an auxiliary in the course of numerous gastrointestinal diseases, such as IBS.

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