Sodium butyrate – properties, action, side effects

Sodium butyrate - what is it?

Sodium butyrate is an organic chemical compound that is a natural substance produced by the intestinal flora when breaking down undigested carbohydrates, which is classified as short-chain fatty acids (PUFAs).

It is the compound produced by probiotic bacteria, such as Clostridium spp, Firmicutes or Eubacterium spp and Fusobacterium spp., whose source are substances such as lactose, inulin, oligofructose, non-starch polysaccharides and resistant starch. The compound can also be found in some foods, such as butter, cow's milk, rennet cheeses or silage.

Sodium butyrate and butyric acid

Sodium butyrate is often referred to as butyric acid or butanoic acid - because both substances have similar properties, their names are often used interchangeably. It is worth knowing that in fact sodium butyrate is a derivative of butyric acid and is a sodium salt of butyric acid, which makes the compounds similar to each other, differ in chemical terms.

Sodium butyrate is characterized by greater durability than butyric acid, and at the same time does not emit a specific smell, characteristic of butyric acid. In addition, it is also worth paying attention to the fact that sodium butyrate, which is often included in dietary supplements, is converted in the intestines into butyric acid, which is one of the products of probiotic metabolism.

Sodium butyrate - properties

The mode of action of sodium butyrate at the biochemical level has still not been fully discovered and understood, but scientific research conducted so far indicates that the compound may have a comprehensive effect on the work of the human body, including, among others, on the functioning of the intestines.

The data obtained so far suggest that sodium butyrate may be a source of energy for colon epithelial cells, such as colonocytes. In turn, the unmetabolized compound can be transported to the portal system of the liver, providing energy for hepatocytes, and then it can relocate to peripheral tissues and systemic circulation.

As if that were not enough, scientific studies suggest that butyric acid sodium salt may have a potential effect on the immune system, also showing anti-inflammatory potential. Some data also indicate that the compound may contribute to the regulation of insulin metabolism, as well as may affect cell differentiation, helping to eliminate defective and damaged cell structures from the body.

What does sodium butyrate help for?

Sodium butyrate is used primarily by people struggling with problems related to the functioning of the digestive system, because the results of scientific research inform that butyric acid can protect and regenerate the digestive system.

Butyric acid on the intestines seems to be particularly important - available data indicate that the compound ensures proper functioning of the intestines, providing energy for intestinal epithelial cells, and additionally supports the production of mucus lining the intestines, constituting an important element of the protective barrier. Moreover, sodium butyrate can support cell regeneration and limit the infiltration of harmful substances through the intestines, while alleviating the symptoms of certain diseases of the digestive system. The substance can reduce abdominal pain by neutralizing the symptoms of IBS irritable bowel syndrome, and in addition can strengthen the protective barrier and reduce the intensity of undesirable symptoms among adults who suffer from ulcerative colitis and chronic intestinal inflammation.

However, because sodium butyrate can have a wide and multidirectional effect, the compound can affect various organs and tissues:

Sodium butyrate for reflux - the substance can support the regeneration of damaged epithelium, thus improving the work of the intestines, which can have a beneficial effect on digestion, also reducing the occurrence of undesirable symptoms, such as reflux. However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that gastric reflux may also be a symptom of excessive production of sodium butyrate in the body, so before starting the use of preparations containing the compound, it is worth consulting a doctor.
Sodium butyrate bloating and constipation - the results of the analyzes indicate that the compound can positively affect intestinal peristalsis, facilitating defecation, and can additionally support the regulation of gas accumulation in the intestines, which can relieve flatulence, also reducing their frequency and intensity.
Sodium butyrate for diarrhea - butyric acid can support the process of water and sodium absorption in the intestines, regulating the rhythm of bowel movements. Moreover, the substance can limit the colonization of harmful pathogens, thus supporting the body in the fight against diarrhea, reducing their intensity and duration.
Sodium butyrate and the liver - regular delivery of sodium butyrate to the body can support the proper functioning of the liver, which is due to the fact that butyric acid plays a key role in metabolic processes. The data obtained so far suggest that the compound may support the regeneration of liver cells, also providing energy for hepatocytes, necessary for the proper functioning of the body. There are also analyzes according to which the substance can inhibit the growth of liver enzymes, reducing the increase in the level of liver triglycerides.
Sodium butyrate on the stomach - the substance can have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, the compound can support the management of inflammation of the gastric mucosa, also alleviating the course of acute viral and bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract.
Sodium butyrate and the thyroid gland - as more and more scientific studies indicate associate between the intestinal microbiota and the work of the endocrine system, it seems that sodium butyrate may also have an indirect effect on the thyroid gland. The compound can support intestinal regeneration and strengthen their protective functions, also affecting metabolism, which can alleviate undesirable gastrointestinal symptoms, occurring among people struggling with thyroid disorders.
Sodium butyrate and slimming - sometimes can meet the opinion that sodium butyrate can support the process of weight reduction, but scientific research on the effect of the compound on weight loss is contradictory. Some data indicate that the compound may regulate metabolism, reducing the production of glucose and lipids in the liver, while other analyses suggest that the use of dietary supplements with sodium butyrate may increase fat production in the body. Therefore, further, more detailed studies are still needed to explain how butyric acid affects unnecessary kilograms.

What makes the amount of butyric acid in the intestines decrease?

Butyric acid can be produced in the human body from undigested carbohydrates due to the presence of intestinal bacteria. When there are no substrates for the production of the compound in the daily menu, the amount of substances in the intestines will also decrease.

Hindered synthesis of butyric acid in the body is an increasingly common phenomenon, resulting from the consumption of significant amounts of highly processed food rich in simple sugars and poor in valuable dietary fiber and short-chain fatty acids.

However, a deficiency of butyric acid in the gastrointestinal tract may cause disorders in the functioning of the intestinal mucosa, leading to energy deficiencies in intestinal cells, which may negatively affect the proper functioning of the digestive system and regenerative processes occurring in the intestines. Therefore, in order to prevent insufficient supply of the compound to the body, it is worth taking into account products containing sodium butyrate and increasing the synthesis of substances in the body, and if necessary also use sodium butyrate dietary supplement.

A woman struggling with symptoms from the digestive system uses sodium butyrate on the intestines.

Sodium butyrate - how to take?

Many people wonder how to use sodium butyrate? Until now, no specific, recommended portion of the compound has been established, which should be delivered to the body, deciding to use dietary supplements. In scientific studies, portions of sodium butyrate ranging from 150 to 300 mg of the compound are most often used, but sometimes, in order to achieve the desired effects, larger amounts of the substance are also used, reaching up to 1500 mg of sodium butyrate per day. In order to properly adjust the amount of the compound delivered to the body, it is worth following the doctor's recommendations or guidelines placed on the packaging of the selected preparation.

"Sodium butyrate before or after eating?" this is a frequently asked question among people who decide to use a dietary supplement containing butyric acid. Most often, it is recommended to deliver the substance to the body during a meal or immediately after the end of consumption, however, current scientific data indicate that the time of taking a dietary supplement with sodium butyrate is not very important.

Sodium butyrate – side effects and contraindications

Sodium butyrate is a well-tolerated compound that can have a beneficial effect on the work of the human body. Sometimes the substance may contribute to the occurrence of undesirable side effects, which results from the fact that each body can react differently to the compounds delivered to the body.

The data obtained so far indicate that sodium butyrate, especially when consumed in excessive amounts, can cause gastrointestinal disorders, contributing to nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain or increased intestinal function. Sometimes when taking dietary supplements containing the compound, changes in appetite can be observed, as well as the occurrence of allergic reactions such as rash, swelling or itching of the skin.

Although sodium butyrate is considered a safe compound, there are some contraindications to the use of the substance. Butyric acid supplied to the body in the form of dietary supplements should be dispensed with by people struggling with kidney and heart diseases, as well as consumers suffering from intolerance or allergy to any of the ingredients of the product. The preparation may also not be recommended in some intestinal diseases that require a reduction in the supply of fibre along with the daily diet, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

OstroVit Sodium Butyrate – the leader among supplements!

Wanting to supplement the daily diet with butyric acid, it is necessary to choose the right dietary supplement, which will allow delivering only the desired substance to the body, without unnecessary additives and fillers.

However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that butyric acid is digested in the upper parts of the digestive system, even before reaching the intestines, which means that taking the compound in the form of a ready-made preparation does not bring the desired results.

To support the work of the intestines and other organs, it should therefore reach for sodium butyrate standardized for the content of butyric acid, which is placed in a microenvelope, allowing the substance to be delivered to the intestines. Thus, an excellent choice may be a product offered by the Polish manufacturer of dietary supplements, which is OstroVit Sodium Butyrate, which is a concentrated source of the desired ingredient, distinguished by laboratory-confirmed quality. It is the product available in the form of enteral microcapsules, characterized by a simple composition that ensures effective supplementation.

Bibliography:

Natalia Goździak

Master of dietetics, specialist in dietoprophylaxis and dietotherapy

Copywriter - dietitian. She completed her bachelor's degree in sports dietetics at the Academy of Physical Education in Poznań, while her master's degree in dietoprophylaxis and dietotherapy - at the UP in Poznań. She treats the principles of healthy eating primarily as valuable tips, not rigorous regulations, that must be strictly followed. Privately, she is passionate about photography, which cannot imagine life without books.

Your shopping cart is empty.