18 Butyrate Benefits + Side Effects & Sources

Butyrate is crucial for gut and brain health, fights autoimmunity and obesity, and may protect against cancer. Read on to learn about the benefits of butyrate, possible side effects, and sources. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA). Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats that our cells need to function. Butyrate is made when the bacteria living in our guts ferment otherwise indigestible fibers from grains, beans, onions, bananas, and other foods rich in complex carbs [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Butyrate is the preferred energy source for the cells in your colon wall. It is essential for maintaining a healthy barrier between the colon and bloodstream and it prevents inflammation in the gut [ 4 ]. Butyrate production depends largely on the pH of the large intestine. Bacteria that produce butyrate thrive in a more acidic environment (lower pH), whereas bacteria that produce other SCFAs such as acetate and propionate prefer a more alkaline environment (higher pH) [ 3 ]. Is a major energy source for colon cells Has anti-cancer effects Increases mitochondrial activity Prevents toxins from crossing the gut barrier Improves insulin sensitivity Promotes weight loss Fight inflammation Is antibacterial Protects the brain Strong odor Lack of high-quality human research Difficult to separate butyrate from other short-chain fatty acids in some cases “I personally take 4 pills of calcium/magnesium butyrate twice a day, with lots of resistant starch, which the gut bacteria feeds off of to produce butyrate. I like calcium and magnesium butyrate because I don’t consume enough calcium and I prefer to have more magnesium. I already take in enough sodium. Since I take a total of 8 pills a day, I avoid brands that add excipients. I also take modified citrus pectin . It has a nootropic and wakefulness-promoting effect […]

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