-23: first observed in impure form by Michel Eugène Chevreul (Chevreul ) | : first synthesized by Lieben and Rossi (Goldberg )
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Butyric acid is a four-carbon straight short chain fatty acid (SCFA) found in the esters of animal fats and plant oils. Its name comes from the Ancient Greek for butter, which is where it was first identified. Butyric acid is responsible for the foul smell found in rancid butter, parmesan cheese, vomit and body odor (Huang et al. ). Interestingly, as for isovaleric acid, some esters of butyric acid have a more appealing scent, and are often used in perfumes.
Butyric acid is one of three common SCFAs in the human gut, alongside acetic acid and propionic acid, which together make up 90-95% of the SCFAs in the colon (Ríos-Cavián et al. ). It is a major source of energy for the colon and is used in treatments for colorectal cancer, hemoglobinopathies and gastrointestinal diseases (Huang et al. ).
In industry, butyric acid has applications in food, textile production, animal feed, and biofuels, often chemically synthesized through the oxidation of propylene-derived butyraldehyde, or through syngas fermentation (Huang et al. ).
Most SCFAs in the gut come from dietary fibers: because humans lack the enzymes to digest these, they pass through the intestinal tract and are fermented by host bacteria. Butyric acid is a conjugate of butyrate, which is produced through the fermentation of hydrolysis-resistant starches and dietary fiber by anaerobic bacteria in the colon (Wong et al. ). Some butyrate is also produced as proteins and peptides are digested in the bowel (Macfarlane et al. ).
Diet, composition of the microbiome, and intestinal transit time all influence butyric acid formation, as with the other SCFAs (Morrison et al. ). Most of the dietary fiber from which butyric acid is produced comes from plant sources, such as resistant starch, cruciferous vegetables, and foods with a high sulphur content (Rivière et al. ). Dietary butyric acid is found in dairy products, red meat, and fermented foods such as sauerkraut. Around 5% of the saturated fat in dairy products comes from butyric acid (Månsson ). Butyric acid can also be taken in supplement form.
SCFAs are a popular research topic in medical biochemistry because of their potential role in gut function, glucose homeostasis, metabolic regulation, and appetite (Blakeney et al. ; Vijay et al. ). They are also known to influence inflammation and immune response.
In the colon, butyrate is a source of energy for endothelial cells, promotes cell differentiation and apoptosis, and can inhibit colonic acidification (Wong et al. ). Some studies suggest that butyrate can suppress colorectal cancer, though results are inconclusive (Silva et al. ). Butyric acid has been shown to influence pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disease and gut dysbiosis, and animal studies show that higher concentrations of butyric acid in the colon reduce the severity of inflammation.
SCFAs are known to act as signaling molecules between gut microbiota and host, with receptors in many different cell and tissue types (Morrison et al. ). Butyric acid is an endogenous agonist of one of these receptors, hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2). HCA2 is a protein receptor that can inhibit the breakdown of fats, giving butyric acid a key role in lipid metabolism. Butyric acid is also an agonist of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), a nutrient sensor which helps to stabilize lipid metabolism and inhibit cancer cell proliferation in the colon (Hong et al. ).
One notable way in which butyric acid regulates the inflammatory process is by stimulating the production of eicosanoids, which are lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid (Vinolo et al. ). These are also known to regulate other immune processes involved in cancer, asthmas, and arthritis (Harizi et al. ).
As noted, butyric acid exerts several effects in the human gut which affect immune processes (Kovarik et al. ). Butyric acid is thought to increase acetylation of histone H3, in turn influencing the behavior of regulatory T cells, which can inhibit the immune response (Borycka-Kiciak et al. ). Through this mechanism, SCFAs link crosstalk between the human microbiome and immune system, though it is not clear whether this is by increasing tolerance in the microbiome, or by reducing the inflammatory response (Morrison et al. ).
Recent research has highlighted the significance of butyric acid in the gut microbiome, particularly its role in maintaining immune function and metabolic balance. For instance, a study investigating age-associated gut dysbiosis in older individuals living with HIV found a notable decrease in butyrogenic potential, correlating with alterations in plasma tryptophan metabolites (Brivio et al. )
A few clinical studies have observed an anti-inflammatory effect from the therapeutic use of SCFAs in cases of inflammatory bowel disease, radiation proctitis, and diabetes. Growing evidence suggests SCFAs support the immune system and metabolism through gut-liver inflammatory pathways (Morrison et al. ).
In addition to its role in the gastrointestinal tract, butyric acid may also contribute to links between gut dysbiosis and neurological conditions, such as depression, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and autism spectrum disorder (Silva et al. ).
Studies looking at the use of probiotics to increase butyrate-producing bacteria in the gut suggest butyrates could help reduce anxiety and lower stress (Bourassa et al. ). A review by Bourassa et al. proposed possible mechanisms for butyric acid’s neuroprotective effects, including mitochondrial activity, G-protein coupled receptors, histone acetylation, and microbiome homeostasis. A clear line was drawn between the consumption of a high fiber diet, butyrate production, and protection against multiple neurological conditions through these pathways (Bourassa et al. ).
The role of SCFAs in lipid and energy metabolism links them to certain metabolic conditions. Butyrate has been shown to protect against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, which suggests it may offer potential therapeutic role in obesity-related diseases and diabetes (Lin et al. ). Animal studies confirm that butyric acid supplementation can improve insulin sensitivity: in one study, butyric acid caused fat loss and improved insulin tolerance in mice (Heimann et al. , Gao et al. ). More research is needed to confirm the effect in humans.
Gut microbiota have a well-established link to coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis. One animal study has shown that butyrate supplementation could reduce atherosclerotic lesions, while another suggested that butyric acid seems to mediate gut microbiota and the circulatory system (Onyszkiewicz et al. ). Some studies have suggested that butyric acid affects arterial blood pressure, with one showing a significant hypotensive effect when butyric acid concentration in the colon was increased (Onyszkiewicz et al. ). The precise mechanism is unknown: it may result from bacterial metabolites having a stimulating enterosyne effect on the enteric nervous system, or from metabolite-derived molecules entering the circulatory system and influencing arterial blood pressure through various organs (Onyszkiewicz et al. ).
As noted, butyric acid has been shown in several studies to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells in the colon, by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cancer gene expression, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, and promoting anti-inflammatory processes (Williams et al. ). However, other studies challenge the notion of a chemopreventive effect from butyrate, and there is a lack of agreement particularly when comparing in vitro and in vivo studies, referred to as the butyrate paradox (Lupton ). It seems likely that butyrate’s chemopreventive effect depends on the amount of butyrate, time of exposure during the tumorigenic process, and type of dietary fat. Our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is likely to grow with the advance of genomic and metabolomic technologies. Because butyric acid is a by-product of fiber fermentation, this could explain why high fiber diets help to protect against colorectal cancer, as well as obesity, stroke, type 2 diabetes and other conditions.
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Learn more about the roles of butyric acid and other SCFAs in complex chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis and diabetes in our whitepaper “Complex chronic diseases have a common origin”.
Butyric acid plays a big role in keeping your gut healthy and happy. Who wouldn't want that, right? By the end of this blog post, you'll be ready to embrace this gut-loving superstar and support your overall wellness goals.
Butyric acid, also known as butanoic acid, is a short-chain fatty acid that is naturally produced in the human body by gut bacteria during the fermentation of dietary fiber and hydrolysis-resistant starches. Some butyrate is also produced as proteins and peptides are digested in the bowel.
Further, it's found in small amounts in some dairy products and meats, such as butter and parmesan cheese. Butyric acid is an important source of energy for the cells that line the colon, and it plays a role in maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal tract.
It's thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and may potentially help reduce the risk of developing certain disorders.
Butyric acid is a gut powerhouse, nourishing your colon cells, and keeping your gut environment balanced and healthy. Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that's naturally produced in your colon through the fermentation of dietary fiber and hydrolysis-resistant starches by gut bacteria.
Think of it as a little treat from your gut microbes for feeding them the good stuff. This fatty acid is like a VIP nutrient for the cells lining your colon, providing energy and promoting their overall health. And here's the real kicker: it also helps maintain a balanced environment in your gut by providing support against inflammation and harmful bacteria.
Now that we're well-versed in the wonders of butyric acid, it's only natural to wonder where you can find it in your meals. First things first: your gut bacteria produce butyric acid when they munch on the fiber you consume.
So, to keep your gut microbes well-fed and the butyric acid flowing, be sure to load up on fiber-rich foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes, or sources of hydrolysis-resistant starch. It's a win-win situation, really. Your gut will thank you.
But wait, there's more! You can also find butyric acid in some dairy products, particularly butter, and ghee.
To help you visualize the many food sources of butyric acid, we've put together a list for you. It highlights some of the top dietary sources of butyric acid and their respective amounts. Consider incorporating these into your meals!
Caption: Butyric acid content in various food sources (Data source: USDA FoodData Central)
Before you go all-in on butyric acid, it's always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons. In the spirit of balance and informed decision-making, let's dive into the advantages and disadvantages of increasing butyric acid in your diet and lifestyle.
We get it – sometimes life gets busy, and it's not always easy to make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need from your diet alone. That's where supplements come to the rescue!
If you're wondering if there are any butyric acid supplements out there, the answer is a resounding "yes!" Butyric acid supplements usually come in the form of sodium or calcium butyrate.
They can be a great addition to your wellness routine, especially if you're looking to give your gut health some extra support. So, if you're all about that supplement life, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about butyric acid.
As you can see, this under-the-radar fatty acid has much to offer regarding gut health, inflammation, and overall well-being. It may not be the star of the show, but it sure packs a punch when it comes to supporting your body's functions. So, go ahead and give butyric acid a try – your gut will thank you!
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