Butyrate — A Tiny Molecule with Big Potential for Health and Healing

• Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber. It provides energy for colon cells and offers health benefits beyond basic nutrition
• Research suggests butyrate helps manage inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by reducing inflammation, improving symptoms and strengthening gut barrier integrity
• Laboratory studies show butyrate helps inhibit cancer cell growth and trigger cell death in colorectal cancer cells, with clinical trials exploring its use alongside traditional treatments
• Butyrate has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in metabolic disorders, while also influencing appetite-regulating hormones
• Studies show butyrate protects against neurodegenerative diseases by reducing brain inflammation and enhancing neuronal repair and survival.

Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced in your gut when beneficial bacteria ferment dietary fiber, which your body cannot digest on its own.

As the primary energy source for colonocytes (the cells lining your colon), butyrate provides up to 70% of their energy needs.1 However, its benefits go far beyond just fueling those cells — it also reduces inflammation, strengthens your gut barrier and supports immune system balance.2 These properties make butyrate a promising molecule for managing a wide variety of conditions and improving overall health.

Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola