Butyric acid: what it is, properties, use, harmfulness

Used in food, cosmetics and even agriculture. Butyric acid is not only versatile, but also has a range of health benefits.

Also known as butanoic acid, it is a fascinating ingredient that can be just as versatile in your body. It is believed to counteract inflammation or regulate insulin metabolism, for example. What's more, your body produces it on its own, helped by probiotic bacteria.

See also:

• What is sodium butyrate
• The best probiotics for the gut
• Good probiotics for IBS
• Best heartburn pills
• Supplements for liver regeneration

What is butyric acid?

Butyric acid, also known as butanoic acid, is a short chain fatty acid ( short chain fatty acids - SCFA) that plays a key role in gut health. It is produced by the bacteria that live in your digestive system.

Wondering how it works? When you eat fibre that is indigestible to your body, it passes into the large intestine. There, probiotic bacteria residing in the colon convert this fibre into butyric acid. This is a perfect example of symbiosis, where both parties benefit - the bacteria have nourishment and you get an essential substance for your healthand.

Butyric acid is extremely important for your gut. It acts as a kind of fuel for the epithelial cells lining the colon, helping them to maintain a healthy intestinal barrier. This is important because this barrier prevents harmful substances from entering your bodyand.

What's more, butyric acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to relieve inflammation in the gut. Some studies also suggest that it may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve metabolism. However, these are preliminary and inconclusive conclusions, so should be approached with cautionand.

So it is worth paying attention to your diet and making sure you are providing your body with enough fibre. By doing so, the probiotic bacteria will be able to produce butyric acid, which will contribute to your gut health.

Butyric acid versus sodium butyrate

Sodium butyrate is the sodium salt of butyric acid, or a derivative of it. The molecules of butyric acid and butyrate are chemically differentand. However, the properties of the two substances are so similar that their names are often used interchangeably.

In practice, the sodium atom in butyrate makes this butyric acid derivative more stable. It is for this reason that you will most often encounter sodium butyrate in dietary supplements.

Sodium butyrate is the most common name.

Properties of butyric acid

Butyric acid is a key ingredient for the proper functioning of the epithelial cells of the colon, called colonocytes. It provides up to 70% of the energy these cells need to functionand. 

This, however, is not the only function that butyric acid has in our bodies. It is currently the subject of scientific research to understand its potential effects on the immune system and its ability to reduce inflammation. In addition, its properties affecting insulin regulationand are also being studied.

Although the exact mechanism of action of butyric acid at the biochemical level is not yet fully understood, there is some evidence to suggest that it may affect various aspects of bodily function. This may includeand:

• impact on the immune response, 
.
• cell differentiation,
.
• natural process of elimination of defective and damaged cells,
.

Butyric acid may also help to strengthen the protective barrier in the intestines by participating in the production of the mucus that lining themand.

Applications of butyric acid

Butyric acid is a well-known ally in the fight against various digestive problems. First and foremost, this metabolite plays a key role in protecting and regenerating the end sections of the digestive systemand.

It is also an effective solution if you are struggling with problems such as bloating or constipation. Butyric acid aids intestinal peristalsis, which in practice means that it facilitates the bowel movement process. 

What's more, butyric acid helps to control gas accumulation in the intestines. As a result, you are able to reduce the unpleasant bloating that can cause discomfortand.

It is also worth adding that some studies suggest additional benefits for your body. Some scientific work has shown that butyric acid may contribute to maintaining a healthy body weight, by regulating metabolic processes related to insulin and lipid production . 

Do not, however, consider butyric acid (or its derivative, sodium butyrate) as a weight-loss agent. There is still a dispute among scientists about how butyric acid affects our metabolism. 

Most studies are in vitro experiments or those involving animals. There are also researchers who point in their work to links between high concentrations of butyrate or butyric acid and metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease - as you can see, in this case, what's too much is unhealthyand.

Butyric acid for the gut

Butyric acid has many important functions in your intestines. Not only is it a source of energy for the cells of the colon, but it also supports their regeneration. In addition, it supports the production of mucus, which is an important part of the protective intestinal barrierand.

Thanks to this, butyric acid helps to protect your body from harmful substances and pathogens that could enter the bloodstream through this route.

Animal studies suggest that butyric acid may provide relief from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, such as abdominal pain or irregular bowel movementsand. 

A 2022 study review indicates that butyric acid derivatives may be helpful in the treatment of colorectal cancer. The results suggest that the ingredient may induce cancer cell death, improve the efficacy of radiotherapy and protect mucosa from degradation that can occur during chemotherapyand.

Butyric acid provides energy to healthy cells and at the same time may inhibit the growth of cancerous ones, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. Therefore, there is a hypothesis that certain strains probiotics may exhibit anti-cancer effectsand.

Butyric acid is also used by intestinal cells to produce energy, which increases oxygen consumption by the epithelium. As a result, the presence of butyric acid-producing bacteria helps to maintain an anaerobic environment in the intestines, which further protects against the colonisation of aerobic pathogens such as Salmonella or bacteria E. coli.

What is butyric acid found in?

Butyric acid is not only found in your intestines. Some foods - especially milk and milk products (dairy products), for example butter, cream, yoghurt or hard yellow cheeses - also contain small amounts of it. Support for butyric acid synthesis can also be provided by products rich in probiotics and prebiotics.

By increasing the amount of probiotics in your gut, you increase the amount producers of butyric acid. And by eating prebiotic foods, you provide them with the necessary materials for this production.

* GOS and FOS fibre are oligosaccharides, or complex carbohydrates (fructooligosaccharides and galactooligosaccharides), which do not digest in the stomach but are only fermented in the large intestine - providing food for probiotic bacteria and contributing to butyric acid production.

Butyric acid sweetness

Butyric acid is considered safe, but there are situations in which its use must be abandoned.

Do not take butyric acid or its derivatives (butyrate) ifand:

.
• you are allergic to butyric acid or any other ingredient in the supplement,
.
• you have kidney problems, as butyric acid is removed from the body specifically by the kidneys,
.
• you suffer from heart disease, as butyric acid can affect sodium levels in the body, which can be dangerous,
.
• you should limit fibre in your diet because of certain digestive ailments,
.
• you are pregnant or breastfeeding - the safety of using butyric acid during these periods is not well studied,
.
• you are taking any medication - in which case consult your doctor before starting supplementation, as butyric acid may interact with some substances.

Despite its benefits, butyric acid can cause some side effects, although this is rather rare. The most common are gastrointestinal problems such as increased bowel function, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, and changes in appetiteand. 

Often these symptoms disappear after a few days, but if they are bothersome or worsen, you should stop supplementation and consult your doctor.

The effects of allergic reactions are a different matter. Their symptoms areand:

• rash, 
.
• catarrh, 
.
• swelling,
.
• difficulty breathing, 
.

If this occurs, discontinue use of the butyric acid preparation immediately and contact your doctor.

See also:

• Alpha-lipoic acid
• NMN

Summary