You may not have realized it, but chances are you've consumed something called butyric acid before, and believe it or not, your body produces it as well. It's true ' butyric acid, also known as butanoic acid or BTA, is a saturated short-chain fatty acid found in butter, ghee, raw milk, animal fats and plant oils.
With competitive price and timely delivery, Yufeng sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
It's also formed in and therefore found in our colons through the bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates like dietary fiber. Butyric acid supports the health and healing of cells in the small and large intestine. It's also the favored source of fuel for the cells lining the interior of the large intestine or colon. (1)
The BTA content in ghee is one of the main components that provides all those wonderful ghee benefits. Consuming butyric acid in foods like ghee or in supplement form has been shown to aid digestion, calm inflammation and improve overall gastrointestinal health.
People who suffer from irritable bowl syndrome and Crohn's disease have been shown to benefit from butyric acid, and studies show promise when it comes to diabetes and insulin resistance too. BTA is also known as a potential anticancer fatty acid, especially when it comes to colon cancer. (2)
I'm excited to tell you more about this extremely interesting fatty acid and how it can improve your overall health ' and how it already is without you even knowing it!
Butyric acid is a colorless liquid that is soluble in water. Scientifically speaking, its structure is four carbon fatty acids with the molecular formula C4H8O2 or CH3CH2CH2COOH. Butyric acid has other chemical names, including butanoic acid, n-butyric acid, n-butanoic acid and propylformic acid. (3) Along with acetic and propionic acids, it account for approximately 83 percent of the short chain fatty acids in the human colon.
On its own, BTA has an unpleasant smell and bitter, pungent taste, with a somewhat sweet aftertaste. It occurs as esters in animal fats and plant oils. What's an ester? An ester is an organic compound that reacts with water to produce alcohols and organic or inorganic acids. Esters derived from carboxylic acids like butyric acid are the most common type of esters.
BTA is generated in the large intestine together with other short chain fatty acids from the fermentation of dietary carbohydrates, specifically prebiotics like resistant starches, fructooligosaccharides and other dietary fiber. (4)
The names 'butyric acid' and 'butyrate' are commonly used interchangeably even in scientific articles and studies. Technically, they have slightly different structures, but they're still very similar. Butyrate or butanoate is the traditional name for the conjugate base of butyric acid. Put simply, butyrate is almost identical to butyric acid, but it just has one less proton. Judging by scientific studies, they appear to be pretty much identical in their health benefits.
Related: Uva Ursi: How Bearberry Can Support the Skin & Urinary Tract
Butyric has gained popularity for its ability to possibly help people shed unwanted pounds. Scientific evidence has shown that people who are obese (as well as people who have type II diabetes) have a different composition of gut bacteria. Short chain fatty acids are believed to play a positive role along with probiotics in preventing metabolic syndrome, which almost always includes abdominal obesity. (5)
Short chain fatty acids like butyric acid help regulate the balance between fatty acid synthesis and the breakdown of fats. In a animal study, after five weeks of treatment with BTA, obese mice lost 10.2 percent of their original body weight, and body fat was reduced by 10 percent. Butyric acid was also shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which helps guard against weight gain. (6)
Most of the evidence for linking BTA supplementation specifically to weight loss is based on animal research so far, but it does show positive effects in treating obesity naturally.
Multiple studies have shown butyric acid's potential ability to fight cancer, especially cancer in the colon. It's actually shown an ability to 'modify nuclear architecture' and induce the death of colon cancer cells. This is likely a huge reason why increased fiber intake has been linked with less colon cancer since higher fiber intake can typically equate to more butyric acid present in the colon. (7)
According to research published in the International Journal of Cancer, 'the role of short chain fatty acids, particularly butyrate, in colon cancer therapy has been extensively studied, and its tumor suppressive functions are believed to be due to their intracellular actions.' This laboratory study further shows that butyrate treatment led to an increase in the programmed cell death of colon cancer cells. (8)
According to a scientific article, it looks like 'a high-fiber diet protects against colorectal tumors in a microbiota- and butyrate-dependent manner.' (9) What does that mean? It means that most likely getting plenty of fiber isn't what fends off cancer on its own. It's eating a diet rich in healthy fiber AND having enough good gut flora AND enough BTA present in the body that can provides cancer defense in the colon.
In general, butyric acid can have a very positive impact on gut health, which greatly affects the health of your entire body. Short chain fatty acids like butyric acid can help keep the gut ling healthy and sealed, which prevents leaky gut syndrome and all kinds of issues linked to a leaky gut like IBS symptoms. This is a type of digestive disorder that's characterized by a group of common symptoms, including changes in bowel movements and abdominal pain.
A scientific article published in the Gastroenterology Review looked at butyric acid's potential as an IBS diet therapy based on numerous studies conducted to date. Researchers conclude that 'butyrate supplementation seems to be a promising therapy for IBS.' (10)
Some notable research included in the article was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 66 adult patients with IBS who were given microencapsulated butyric acid at a dose of 300 milligrams per day or a placebo in addition to receiving standard therapy.
After four weeks, researchers found that subjects who took the butyric acid had a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of abdominal pain during bowel movements. After 12 weeks, subjects in the BTA group experienced decreases in the frequency of spontaneous abdominal pain, postprandial abdominal pain, abdominal pain during defecation and urge after defecation. (11)
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by inflammation of the lining of the GI tract, abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. Again, this is a disease related to a leaky gut. A study published in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics was small, but it found that 'oral butyrate is safe and well tolerated, and may be effective in inducing clinical improvement/remission in Crohn's disease.' (12)
Another study showed that butyric acid can reduce pain during bowel movements and inflammation in the gut, both of which are extremely helpful to Crohn's disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases. (13)
Short chain fatty acids like BTA truly play a crucial role in the maintenance of gut barrier integrity, which can help ward off a leaky gut and avoid an IBDs like Crohn's.
A study published by the American Diabetes Foundation looked at butyric acid's effect on the regulation of insulin sensitivity in mice consuming a diet high in fat. The study concluded that 'dietary supplementation of butyrate can prevent and treat diet-induced insulin resistance in mouse.' Researchers also found that the mice treated with butyrate did not have any increase in body fat and the butyrate supplement actually appeared to prevent obesity. (14)
Researchers agree that more studies need to be conducted to further explore how butyrate affects insulin levels in humans, but it looks promising so far, which could have profound effects on treating diabetes.
Studies have shown the broad anti-inflammatory powers of butyric acid. It's believed that not only can BTA help inflammatory conditions, but it might also have a helpful ability to manage immune responses. (15)
As we've said before, inflammation is the root of most diseases, which is why having more butyric acid in your body could likely benefit many people with various health problems with inflammatory roots.
An increased intake of highly processed, low-fiber, high-sugar foods has been shown to decrease levels of butyrate production in the large intestine. Supplementing with butyric acid might be a good idea if you're unable to obtain enough of it from your diet.
A butyric acid supplement is typically available at health stores or online. It's most commonly found in capsule or tablet form. Dosage recommendations vary by product. Some recommend one to six capsules/tablets after meals while others suggest taking one capsule three times daily with meals, a few hours before or after taking other medications. It's best to read product labels carefully and consult your doctor if you feel unsure.
If you prefer to get your butyric acid from foods, then the following are good choices: butter, ghee, raw milk and parmesan cheese. When looking for a high-quality butter, raw and cultured is best. This might be hard to find, however. Organic butter from grass-fed cows is your next best option. Some properly made kombucha (a fermented tea drink) can also contain butyric acid.
To naturally increase the butyric acid production in your body, you can up your intake of healthy prebiotics like raw Jerusalem artichokes, raw dandelion greens, raw jicama and under-ripe bananas.
Scientific research has found that fecal butyrate levels can vary greatly among individuals, but eating a diet high in resistance starches (like an under-ripe banana) typically increases butyric acid levels and may help maintain colorectal health. (16)
Related: Gymnema Sylvestre: An Ayurvedic Herb That Helps Fight Diabetes, Obesity & More
Butyric acid gets its name from the Greek word βούτ'ρον, which means butter. Butyric acid makes up about 3 percent to 4 percent of butter. Ever smell rancid butter? That unpleasant odor is the result of the chemical breakdown of the BTA glyceride. While on the topic of gross odors, butyric acid is actually responsible for human vomit's distinctive scent too.
During his extremely long life (102 years plus), a French organic chemist named Michel Eugène Chevreul is said to have first observed butyric acid in its impure form in . It was by the acidification of animal fat soaps that he was able to identify butyric acid along with several other fatty acids for the first time, including oleic acid, capric acid (naturally occurs in coconut oil) and valeric acid. (17)
It's hard to find any documented negative side effects of butyric acid supplements. If you take a butyric acid and experience any negative side effects, you may need to cut back on your dosage. Of course, if you have any serious side effects then you should discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention.
If you're pregnant or nursing, speak to your doctor before taking a butyric acid supplement. Also talk to your doctor if you have any ongoing medical conditions or if you already take any other medications before taking a BTA supplement.
The company is the world’s best butyric acid benefits supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
To increase the production of butyric acid in your body naturally, focus on getting more foods that contain butyric acid like ghee and high-quality butter on a regular basis. Also increase your daily intake of fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains.
If you can increase your intake of these prebiotics, then you can help increase the probiotics and short chain fatty acids in your body. This is a healthy and easy way to increase your butyric acid levels, not to mention your overall health.
Having the right balance of all prebiotics, probiotics and short chain fatty acids appears to not only improve minor as well as chronic gastrointestinal issues, but many studies show how butyric acid may have some serious cancer-fighting power, especially colon cancer.
What about a supplement? A butyric acid supplement might be helpful, especially if you suffer from an inflammatory bowel disease or are trying to prevent colon cancer. When it comes to weight loss, most of the evidence linking butyric acid to weight loss is based on animal and test-tube studies. A butyric acid supplement should definitely not be thought of as a magic weight loss supplement but might be helpful along with an overall healthy lifestyle.
In the early s Michel-Eugène Chevreul, a French organic chemist, first discovered butyric acid in its impure form while acidifying animal fat soaps. (Source)
Butyric acid, also known as butanoic acid, is a four-carbon short-chain fatty acid that is found in a number of foods and is also produced in our bodies. Its name comes from the ancient Greek word for butter.
Known as the 'stinky fat,' butyric acid boasts an aromatic odor (to put it kindly) that has been described as both rancid butter and stale cheddar. It's also responsible for the familiar lactic acid flavor that we often associate with fresh, homemade bread, butter, and yogurt.
Although butyric acid is naturally occurring in different types of dairy products, it's found in even greater amounts in the digestive tracts of humans and other mammals. The organic compound is produced when complex sugars are broken down during the process of fermentation. Its main function is to provide energy to cells of the colon, but it also supports the immune system with its powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
In today's edition, we're exploring butyric acid, AKA the pungent, rancid odor that you might recognize from that time your butter went bad ' and also a powerful healing nutrient in our bodies.
Butyric acid, also known as butanoic acid, is a short-chain, saturated fatty acid (SCFA) that is found in plant oils and animal fats, especially products such as butter, ghee, and raw milk. It's also produced when carbohydrates like fiber are fermented by bacteria in the colon.
Butyric acid is the preferred fuel of your enterocytes, the cells that line the intestines. In other words, it's what your gut cells prefer to burn for energy. Estimates suggest that the compound provides your colon cells with about 70% of their energy needs. (Source)
Note: Although the terms 'butyric acid' and 'butyrate' are commonly used interchangeably even in the literature, scientifically speaking, the two compounds have slightly different structures (butyrate has one less proton than butyric acid). However, research appears to show that they have identical health benefits.
Butyric acid can also help support your immune function and keep your gut barrier healthy. It's known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties and to play a role in gut barrier function, immune system regulation, and metabolic regulation. (Source) That's why the compound has gained attention for its potential role in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and colorectal cancer. On the flip side, decreased butyrate concentrations and numbers of butyrate-producing bacteria have been linked with disorders, ranging from dysbiosis to strokes and even metabolic conditions. (Source, Source, Source, Source)
A diet high in fiber has long been considered a cornerstone of gut health, and now science is backing that up. Fiber promotes healthy intestinal flora and helps maintain healthy gut barrier function. It can also help reduce inflammation and insulin resistance, and may help reduce your risk of developing certain diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
As dietary fiber is fermented by bacteria in the gut, butyric acid is formed. Research suggests butyric acid in the gut helps kill colon cancer cells, making a high-fiber diet an important cancer prevention tool. (Source) Beyond that, butyrate can affect our brains by acting via the gut'brain axis. Through its ability to cross the blood'brain barrier, butyrate can activate the vagus nerve and hypothalamus, indirectly affecting appetite. (Source)
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, butyrate can help control inflammation and modulate the immune response. In addition, butyric acid helps regulate the production and development of regulatory T cells in the colon, which are responsible for helping your body distinguish between itself and foreign invaders. Without the ability to tell self from nonself, the immune system may begin to attack your own tissues and organs, resulting in an autoimmune condition. (Source)
Related to immune function, butyrate also helps maintain healthy gut barrier function and prevent the incidence of leaky gut. (Source) Emerging evidence suggests there may be a link between butyrate and autoimmunity in humans as well. For example, people with type 1 diabetes ' an autoimmune condition that affects the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin ' have been found to have lower levels of butyrate-producing bacteria in their gut than those without diabetes. (Source)
Studies have revealed that butyric acid has a profound effect on the brain, ranging from memory and cognition issues to neurodegenerative diseases. In rat studies, butyrate stimulated the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule that supports the growth and differentiation of healthy neurons in the brain. (Source) And in studies looking at animal models of Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease, butyric acid has been shown to protect brain neurons from cell death and to extend the lifespan of mice with Huntington's. (Source, Source)
Numerous studies have reported that butyrate metabolism is impaired in patients with IBD. (Source) Butyric acid has been shown to decrease colitis-associated intestinal inflammation and colon cancer in both animal and human models. In a small study looking at the effects of butyrate on Crohn's disease, 69% of patients saw clinical improvements after treatment, with 53% of participants achieving remission. (Source)
Emerging evidence suggests that butyric acid may be a potential treatment option for IBS as well. (Source)
In one double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 66 adult patients with IBS took either a placebo or 300 milligrams of sodium butyrate (the sodium salt of butyric acid) per day, in addition to receiving standard therapy. Just four weeks into the 3-month study, researchers found that subjects who took the butyric acid had a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of abdominal pain during bowel movements. (Source)
One of the more controversial potential applications of butyric acid is its ability to impact insulin sensitivity and obesity. In many studies, butyrate has been shown to significantly improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance in people with metabolic syndrome. (Source) Researchers believe that this may be a result of the compound's ability to increase GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and PYY (peptide YY), hormones that help your body to control food intake and increase fat burning (Source, Source, Source).
However, although a large body of evidence has suggested that butyrate may attenuate obesity and insulin resistance, a few studies have shown the opposite effect. Therefore, more research is needed to understand the effects of butyrate on obesity.
Studies have shown that butyrate has multiple modes of action:
'
'
Butyrate is known to increase the expression of genes that promote the growth of gut cells and suppress genes that cause inflammation. It appears to do this by inhibiting histone deacetylase (HDAC), an enzyme that regulates gene expression. This protects the DNA wrapped around proteins called histones, which has led researchers to believe that butyrate has anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects in the gut. In other words, it prevents genes from getting damaged, rather helping them to survive and adapt. (Source)
As mentioned, butyric acid plays a key role in metabolism and mitochondrial activity. Not only does it serve as the primary source of fuel for colon cells, studies have also shown its ability to support energy homeostasis and promote mitochondrial activity in animal models. (Source) Researchers have also postulated that reduced glucose availability in the brain may contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction in acute and chronic neurological diseases, which could theoretically be supported via butyrate because of its effects on energy metabolism. (Source)
Research has shown that butyrate is a key regulator of microbiome health and helps to strengthen the gut barrier. As a major energy source for the cells that line the colon, butyrate is preferentially absorbed to repair damaged cells and support the growth of new ones. In effect, it also keeps harmful bacteria and endotoxins from passing through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream, which can help reduce inflammation and the risk for chronic disease. (Source)
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are members of a large protein family that are activated by a variety of neurotransmitters, hormones, and drugs. GPCRs are involved in many important physiological functions, such as the regulation of cell growth and proliferation, hormone secretion, and neurotransmitter release.
They are a common target in medications, but interestingly butyrate has been found to signal through a GPCR receptor called GPR109a. Scientists believe that butyrate's triggering of GPR109a may be responsible for the compound's anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects. (Source)
'
Some of the food sources with the most naturally-occurring butyric acid include butter, ghee, parmesan cheese, and raw milk. (Source) Butter contains 3% to 4% butyric acid, making it the richest dietary source of butyrate. (Source) Some types of kombucha can also contain butyric acid as well. However, even the richest food sources contain relatively little of this fatty acid compared to the amount that can be created in the large intestine, so your best bet is to feed fiber to the microbes that generate butyrate in your gut.
Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are a type of prebiotic, substances that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon, such as butyric acid. Other prebiotic superstars to consider incorporating into your diet include garlic, bananas, onions, leeks, and asparagus. One study in rats showed a high-FOS diet increased levels of butyrate in the large intestine while maintaining the levels of anaerobic bacteria. (Source)
Resistant starches are gut-friendly carbohydrates that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut and help them thrive. As a bonus, they also increase butyrate production in the large intestine as they are fermented by other bacteria in the gut. The best way to get more butyrate is to eat prebiotic foods that are rich in resistant starch, such as artichokes, plantains, and cooked potatoes. (Source)
Although diet is typically the best way to increase butyrate production in the gut, if resistant starch isn't a staple in your diet you can also supplement with butyrate directly. It's commonly found in fiber supplements and often sold as sodium butyrate. However, you may want to hold off if you're pregnant or breastfeeding ' one animal study found that giving pregnant and breastfeeding rats sodium butyrate led to insulin resistance and increased fat storage in their offspring. (Source)
Contact us to discuss your requirements of isobutyric acid manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.