The Benefits and Implications of Butyrate
Benefits of Butyrate
I must admit that I love butyrate, which is why I recommended it as an important over-the-counter supplement in The Redox Promise. Why do I think so highly of this compound? First, it’s a naturally occurring SCFA that is produced in the colon by resident gut bacteria—typically through the fermentation of dietary fiber. The synthesis by intestinal bacteria occurs via four pathways: nondigestible carbohydrates (like fiber), succinate, L-lysate, and glutarate. It is then taken up and metabolized by the colonic epithelial cells, after which low levels of butyrate enter the liver and regulate fatty acid metabolism.
This naturally occurring postbiotic is an integral source of energy for colonocytes, the cells lining the colon, to maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier and prevent conditions like leaky gut. Butyrate also exerts strong anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs), which regulate gene expression involved in immune responses and thereby reduce inflammation. Additionally, butyrate prompts the growth of beneficial bacteria. Relevant to our purposes here, butyrate has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity.
The Mechanisms Behind Butyrate
At its core, butyrate provides energy to serve as a foundation for maintaining healthy gut microbiota. It also possesses a remarkable ability to combat inflammation and oxidative stress by promoting the development of T cells and therefore supporting the immune response. Indeed, research shows that ingesting butyrate will help defend against conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and leaky gut syndrome and ensure healthy bowel movements. All of these factors position butyrate to protect the health of our microbiome, helping its diversity and therefore keeping it in homeostasis—which directly affects the body’s ability to stay in redox balance and prevent chronic inflammation and resulting insulin resistance.
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William Seeds, MD