Butyric acid: what it is, properties, use, harmfulness

Used in food, cosmetics and even agriculture. Butyric acid is not only versatile, but also has a range of health benefits.

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Also known as butanoic acid, it is a fascinating ingredient that can be just as versatile in your body. It is believed to counteract inflammation or regulate insulin metabolism, for example. What's more, your body produces it on its own, helped by probiotic bacteria.

From this article you will learn:

• What is butyric acid and how it differs from sodium butyrate.
• How it works.
• How butyric acid works and how it is synthesised in the body.
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• What ailments can butyric acid help with.
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• How to ensure the right concentration of butyric acid in the body.
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• Whether butyric acid can cause harm.
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See also:

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What is butyric acid?

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Butyric acid, also known as butanoic acid, is a short chain fatty acid ( short chain fatty acids - SCFA) that plays a key role in gut health. It is produced by the bacteria that live in your digestive system.

Wondering how it works? When you eat fibre that is indigestible to your body, it passes into the large intestine. There, probiotic bacteria residing in the colon convert this fibre into butyric acid. This is a perfect example of symbiosis, where both parties benefit - the bacteria have nourishment and you get an essential substance for your health .

Butyric acid is extremely important for your gut. It acts as a kind of fuel for the epithelial cells lining the colon, helping them to maintain a healthy intestinal barrier. This is important because this barrier prevents harmful substances from entering your body .

As early as the s, studies were conducted that conclusively established butyric acid as a major source of energy for colonocytes, offering hope for its use in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.

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What's more, butyric acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to relieve inflammation in the gut. Some studies also suggest that it may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve metabolism. However, these are preliminary and inconclusive conclusions, so should be approached with caution .

So it is worth paying attention to your diet and making sure you are providing your body with enough fibre. By doing so, the probiotic bacteria will be able to produce butyric acid, which will contribute to your gut health.

Butyric acid versus sodium butyrate

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Sodium butyrate is the sodium salt of butyric acid, or a derivative of it. The molecules of butyric acid and butyrate are chemically different . However, the properties of the two substances are so similar that their names are often used interchangeably.

In practice, the sodium atom in butyrate makes this butyric acid derivative more stable. It is for this reason that you will most often encounter sodium butyrate in dietary supplements.

Sodium butyrate is the most common name.

Properties of butyric acid

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Butyric acid is a key ingredient for the proper functioning of the epithelial cells of the colon, called colonocytes. It provides up to 70% of the energy these cells need to function . 

This, however, is not the only function that butyric acid has in our bodies. It is currently the subject of scientific research to understand its potential effects on the immune system and its ability to reduce inflammation. In addition, its properties affecting insulin regulation are also being studied.

Although the exact mechanism of action of butyric acid at the biochemical level is not yet fully understood, there is some evidence to suggest that it may affect various aspects of bodily function. This may include :

• impact on the immune response, 
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• cell differentiation,
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• natural process of elimination of defective and damaged cells,
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Butyric acid may also help to strengthen the protective barrier in the intestines by participating in the production of the mucus that lining them .

Applications of butyric acid

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Butyric acid is a well-known ally in the fight against various digestive problems. First and foremost, this metabolite plays a key role in protecting and regenerating the end sections of the digestive system .

It is also an effective solution if you are struggling with problems such as bloating or constipation. Butyric acid aids intestinal peristalsis, which in practice means that it facilitates the bowel movement process. 

The usefulness of butyric acid in infectious diarrhoea has also been clinically confirmed. This is related, among other things, to the mechanism of regulation of water and electrolyte absorption in the cell membrane of colonocytes.

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What's more, butyric acid helps to control gas accumulation in the intestines. As a result, you are able to reduce the unpleasant bloating that can cause discomfort .

It is also worth adding that some studies suggest additional benefits for your body. Some scientific work has shown that butyric acid may contribute to maintaining a healthy body weight, by regulating metabolic processes related to insulin and lipid production . 

Do not, however, consider butyric acid (or its derivative, sodium butyrate) as a weight-loss agent. There is still a dispute among scientists about how butyric acid affects our metabolism. 

Most studies are in vitro experiments or those involving animals. There are also researchers who point in their work to links between high concentrations of butyrate or butyric acid and metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease - as you can see, in this case, what's too much is unhealthy .

Butyric acid for the gut

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Butyric acid has many important functions in your intestines. Not only is it a source of energy for the cells of the colon, but it also supports their regeneration. In addition, it supports the production of mucus, which is an important part of the protective intestinal barrier .

Thanks to this, butyric acid helps to protect your body from harmful substances and pathogens that could enter the bloodstream through this route.

Animal studies suggest that butyric acid may provide relief from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, such as abdominal pain or irregular bowel movements . 

A study review indicates that butyric acid derivatives may be helpful in the treatment of colorectal cancer. The results suggest that the ingredient may induce cancer cell death, improve the efficacy of radiotherapy and protect mucosa from degradation that can occur during chemotherapy .

Butyric acid provides energy to healthy cells and at the same time may inhibit the growth of cancerous ones, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. Therefore, there is a hypothesis that certain strains probiotics may exhibit anti-cancer effects .

Butyric acid is also used by intestinal cells to produce energy, which increases oxygen consumption by the epithelium. As a result, the presence of butyric acid-producing bacteria helps to maintain an anaerobic environment in the intestines, which further protects against the colonisation of aerobic pathogens such as Salmonella or bacteria E. coli.

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What is butyric acid found in?

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Butyric acid is not only found in your intestines. Some foods - especially milk and milk products (dairy products), for example butter, cream, yoghurt or hard yellow cheeses - also contain small amounts of it. Support for butyric acid synthesis can also be provided by products rich in probiotics and prebiotics.

By increasing the amount of probiotics in your gut, you increase the amount producers of butyric acid. And by eating prebiotic foods, you provide them with the necessary materials for this production.

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Products rich in probiotics

Products rich in prebiotics (GOS and FOS fibre)*

• yoghurt,
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• kefir,
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• buttermilk,
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• sugared milk,
• sugared milk,
• flax,
• flax,
• buttermilk,
• sugared milk,
• flax.
• miso,
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• tempeh,
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• sauerkraut,
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• pickled cucumbers,
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• cold boiled potatoes,
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• artichokes,
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• asparagus,
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• broccoli,
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• carrots,
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• garlic,
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• soy,
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• legumes,
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• peas,
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• apple,
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• currants,
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• morels,
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• bananas,
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• kiwi,
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• raspberries,
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• oranges,
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* GOS and FOS fibre are oligosaccharides, or complex carbohydrates (fructooligosaccharides and galactooligosaccharides), which do not digest in the stomach but are only fermented in the large intestine - providing food for probiotic bacteria and contributing to butyric acid production.

Best results will be achieved by using different fibre fractions from three different groups including cereals, vegetables and fruit. Also ensure adequate hydration.

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Butyric acid sweetness

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Butyric acid is considered safe, but there are situations in which its use must be abandoned.

Do not take butyric acid or its derivatives (butyrate) if :

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• you are allergic to butyric acid or any other ingredient in the supplement,
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• you have kidney problems, as butyric acid is removed from the body specifically by the kidneys,
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• you suffer from heart disease, as butyric acid can affect sodium levels in the body, which can be dangerous,
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• you should limit fibre in your diet because of certain digestive ailments,
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• you are pregnant or breastfeeding - the safety of using butyric acid during these periods is not well studied,
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• you are taking any medication - in which case consult your doctor before starting supplementation, as butyric acid may interact with some substances.

Despite its benefits, butyric acid can cause some side effects, although this is rather rare. The most common are gastrointestinal problems such as increased bowel function, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, and changes in appetite . 

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Often these symptoms disappear after a few days, but if they are bothersome or worsen, you should stop supplementation and consult your doctor.

The effects of allergic reactions are a different matter. Their symptoms are :

• rash, 
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• catarrh, 
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• swelling,
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• difficulty breathing, 
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If this occurs, discontinue use of the butyric acid preparation immediately and contact your doctor.

See also:

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Summary

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• Butyric acid is a metabolite of the fermentation of fibre by probiotic bacteria that inhabit the large intestine.
• Butyric acid is the main source of energy for colon epithelial cells. It also has protective and regenerative functions.
• Butyric acid can promote intestinal peristalsis and support the production of mucus, which is part of the natural intestinal barrier.
• The effects of butyric acid and its derivative, butyrate, in the context of influencing insulin and lipid metabolism and combating inflammation in the body are currently being investigated.
• Butyrate is an important component of the intestinal barrier.
• The appropriate concentration of butyric acid in the body is best ensured by consuming foods rich in GOS and FOS fibre, as well as probiotics.
• Butyric acid can also be taken in dietary supplements. It is most commonly found in these in the form of sodium butyrate.
• Butyrate supplements are also a good way to take it.
• Supplements with butyrate or butyric acid should be avoided by people with heart disease and ailments that require restricted fibre intake.

FAQ

Note: butyric acid is a really smelly thing. Think twice about whether you want to make it at home (if you live in a block of flats, think about your neighbours too). Another important thing: Do not eat butyric acid obtained this way! 

To make butyric acid, all you need to do is leave the butter out of the fridge - until it goes rancid. But to be able to isolate it, you can use this recipe:

1. Melt 500ml of butter in a pot over a low heat; 
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2. Add 500 ml distilled water, stir to combine. 
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3. Pour the mixture into a jar and add 2 tablespoons of natural yogurt as a starter. 
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4. Cover the jar and keep in a warm place for 2-3 days. 
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5. After this time, strain the liquid through a thick sieve, separating the solids. 
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6. Heat the remaining liquid to 100°C until the water evaporates. 
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7. The residue that remains is butyric acid.
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Butyric acid occurs naturally in many products, especially butter. You will also find it in other dairy products such as cheese, cream and yoghurt. Furthermore, it is also contained in ghee, a type of clarified butter. 

Butyric acid is also produced in the human body - in the gut, as a result of the fermentation of fibre by bacteria. For this reason, eat fibre-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole-grain cereal products. This is important because butyric acid has many health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory effects and supports gut health.

Taking butyric acid can lead to several side effects. The most common are abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and nausea. For these symptoms, reduce the dose of butyric acid or divide it into several smaller portions throughout the day. This may help to minimise discomfort. Sometimes an allergic reaction may also occur.

Butyric acid has an intense, unpleasant odour that is often compared to the smell of... vomit. This is due to the specific chemical structure of this acid, which contains four carbon atoms in its chain. However, in small quantities, it can contribute to the characteristic taste of some foods (especially cheese).

The chemical formula of butyric acid is C4H8O2. It is a carboxylic acid that consists of four carbon atoms (C), eight hydrogen atoms (H) and two oxygen atoms (O). Carbon (C) comes first, followed by hydrogen (H) and finally oxygen (O). 

For more information, please visit butyric acid benefits.

This order is important because it indicates the structure of the molecule. Other chemical formulas of butyric acid that you may encounter are C3H7COOH and CH3(CH2)2COOH.

Dietary supplements containing butyric acid, or more commonly its derivative - sodium butyrate - cost from around £30 to £150. Differences in price may be due to the quality of the raw material itself, the size of the packaging and the additional active ingredients used in the formulation.

Butyric acid (also in the form of sodium butyrate) is only available in Poland as a dietary supplement. You can find it in health food shops or pharmacies. Only buy products from trusted manufacturers to ensure the best quality and safety. 

Butyric acid is important for intestinal health, as it is the main source of energy for intestinal epithelial cells. An example of a product containing butyric acid in the form of sodium butyrate is Panaseus Formula for the Gut.

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Resources

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Short-chain fatty acids produced by bacteria living in the large intestine are the main energy substrate for the colonocytes. Butyric acid is used for the treatment and prevention of exacerbations of various gastrointestinal diseases: diarrhoea, intestinal inflammations, functional disorders, dysbiosis, and post-surgery or post-chemotherapy conditions. The current standard doses of butyric acid (150&#;300 mg) range between 1.5&#;3% and 15&#;30% of the reported daily demand. Increased metabolism of the colonocytes in conditions involving intestine damage or inflammation, increased energy expenditure during a disease, stimulation of intestine growth in &#;stress&#; conditions with accelerated intestinal passage and increased intestinal excretion, and decreased production of endogenous butyrate due to changes in bacterial flora in different pathological conditions require a significant increase of the supply of this acid. Physiological high demand for butyrate and known mechanisms of pathological conditions indicate that current supplementation doses do not cover the demand and their increase should be considered.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are produced by bacteria dwelling in the large intestine. They are a product of the metabolism of polysaccharides that are not digested by the digestive system enzymes. At the same time, they are the main energy substrate for the epithelial cells of the intestinal mucosa. More and more scientific reports focus on the significance of SCFA and in particular that of butyric acid [1].

Butyric acid present in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract is indispensable for maintenance of normal homoeostasis of the mucosa cells. It conditions their normal metabolism (as the basic source of energy) and proliferation, and it is responsible for regeneration and repair processes. It stimulates local cellular response, maintains intestinal barrier integrity, and inhibits tumour cell differentiation [2, 3]. It also has a favourable effect on the intestinal microbiome [1] by stimulation of the growth of the saprophytic flora and by an inhibitory effect on the development of other pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, or Salmonella [4].

Butyric acid is increasingly used as a supportive agent in the treatment and prevention of exacerbations of various diseases and disorders of the digestive tract, such as diarrhoea (specific and non-specific), inflammatory conditions (non-specific bowel inflammation, diverticulitis, diversion colitis, radiation-induced bowel inflammation), functional disturbances (irritable bowel syndrome), dysbiosis, and post-surgery (resections, short bowel syndrome) or post-chemotherapy conditions. Recently, it has been stressed that SCFA affect not only processes occurring in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract but also other systems and organs, such as circulatory or nervous systems, through mechanisms associated with the intestinal barrier, carbohydrate metabolism, immunomodulation, and appetite control, and with an effect on obesity [5].

150&#;300 mg/day is the most common dosage recommendation for currently available butyric acid products. It is not easy to determine the optimal dose of butyric acid supplementation, and the results of the studies conducted to date are often highly inconclusive. High viscosity of the intestinal contents, the presence of bacterial biofilm and mucus layer on the mucosa surface, and rapid absorption of SCFA make it difficult to determine their concentration on the mucous membrane surface itself. On the other hand, SCFA concentration in the intestinal lumen or faeces does not reflect the rate of their production [6].

Physiologically, butyric acid, like other SCFA, is a product of anaerobic bacterial fermentation of resistant starch and food fibres. The total concentration of SCFA in the intestinal lumen varies between 60 and 150 mmol/kg, and their daily production in the large intestine of a healthy individual is 300&#;400 mmol [4, 7]. This translates into 50&#;70 mmol of butyric acid or about 5.5&#;7.5 g/day. According to some studies, the physiological range of butyrate concentrations in the intestinal lumen is between 1 and 10 mmol/l of the food content [8], which, assuming a daily production of 9 l of the intestinal content, corresponds to 9&#;90 mmol/day, i.e. 1&#;10 g/day. The daily demand for butyric acid in physiological conditions falls therefore within a very wide range of mg/day to as much as 10,000 mg/day, which should be covered by fermentation processes of resistant starch and food fibres. However, in the Western population insufficient supply of these nutrients is observed, which can explain the rapidly growing incidence of all types of gastrointestinal diseases, both inflammatory, neoplastic, and functional. In studies with significantly increased supply of fibre in the diet growth of probiotic bacteria such as Bifidobacterium (BfB) and Lactobacillus (Lab), improved condition of the intestinal mucosa, and even reduced risk of cancer of the lower colon segments were observed [9]. It seems that similar effects may be obtained by increased supplementation with butyric acid products.

In the analysis of the daily demand for butyric acid it is noticeable that the currently used standard doses of 150&#;300 mg represent only 15&#;30% of the lowest daily demand reported, or they are even as low as 1.5&#;3% if the highest possible values are taken into consideration. Thus, even under physiological conditions the current supplementation doses are low or even very low, and their increase may be considered. The possibility of dose increase depends on the formulation of butyric acid because packing more than 300 mg of butyrate into a single capsule is a technical limitation here. Of course, the dose of &#;clean&#; (non-enveloped) butyrate may be increased, but this form is absorbed already in the upper gastrointestinal tract and reaches the intestine at a much lower concentration. Therefore, to achieve effective supplementation (with adequately high butyrate doses), the forms of butyrate supply should be optimised.

Animal studies showing beneficial trophic or anti-inflammatory effects are usually carried out with use of much higher doses of butyric acid. In an experiment where mice were administered 11 g of butyrate in drinking water per day (i.e. about 55 g/kg of body weight!) an improvement of the immune functions of the intestinal epithelium was shown, which, according to the authors, may be an important mechanism of prevention of several chronic diseases [10]. In another study, conducted on birds, butyrate was used at a dose of mg/kg of body weight, and a reduction of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels as well as increased activity of peroxide dismutase and of catalase were observed [11]. This confirms an anti-inflammatory effect of butyrate. Of course, animal test results cannot be directly translated into human test results; however, much higher doses of butyrate are used also in clinical trials. An example is the above-mentioned publication with a dose of 4 g of butyrate per day in obese and healthy patients [12]. Efficacy of high doses was confirmed by a study in which healthy individuals received enemas containing 100 mmol of butyrate. Anti-inflammatory effect, an increase in glutathione antioxidation, and a decrease of uric acid production were achieved in this study [13]. High doses of butyrate may thus have a favourable metabolic effect as well because they may exert epigenetic action [14]. Very good clinical results of high doses of butyrate ( mg/day) were found in patients with mild to moderate Crohn&#;s disease [15]. A very good clinical effect was found in the majority of patients, as well as remission of lesions on endoscopic examination and a decrease of white blood cells (WBC) counts and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and IL-1β activity.

However, particular attention should be paid to conditions with an increased demand for SCFA. They will be described below, but their common features include an increased demand for butyric acid on one hand, and reduction of its endogenous production on the other (lack of appetite, dietary restrictions, limited volume of the eaten food, malabsorption, disturbances in the composition of the saprophytic intestinal flora responsible for physiological fermentation processes). Taking into consideration the increased demand with concurrent reduction of endogenous production, additional supplementation with butyric acid seems particularly important for the achievement of the expected optimal clinical outcomes.

Causes of increased demand:

1. Enhanced metabolism of intestinal epithelial cells in conditions with damage/inflammation of these cells.

2. Increased energy expenditure of the organism in pathological conditions.

3. Stimulation of intestine growth in &#;stress&#; situations

4. Conditions with accelerated intestinal passage and increased secretion into the lumen of the intestine (diarrhoea).

5. Decreased production of endogenous butyric acid due to changes in bacterial flora in different pathological conditions.

6. Other conditions associated with increased demand for butyric acid in the digestive tract.

1. Butyric acid is used by intestinal epithelial cells, especially in processes associated with their intensive proliferation, related to inflammation, damage, and subsequent repair processes. It is difficult to quantify the level of this increase in demand, and there are few data in the subject literature. However, some analogies may be assumed, where in tissue and wound regeneration, metabolic demand increases by a factor of 1.6&#;2.0 with respect to the basic demand. It should be borne in mind that the energy demand of the intestinal epithelial cells is mainly covered by energy substrates available in the intestinal lumen, i.e. predominantly by butyric acid. The dose of butyric acid should therefore be increased accordingly during inflammatory conditions. This finds confirmation in clinical studies. In one of the studies on the treatment of ulcerative colitis butyric acid was used in the form of enema at doses of 40 mmol/l to up to 100 mmol/l, which corresponds to 4.4&#;11 g/l. For 200 ml enemas this translates into 800&#; mg/enema. Very good clinical outcomes were observed with these doses, with no side effects [ 16 ]. Similar observations were made in patients with a related condition, who received sodium butyrate enemas at a dose of mg/l with very good effect [ 17 ]. In animal studies, significantly higher doses of butyrate are used successfully. In one of these studies, supplementation with butyrate was used in pigs with induced ulcerative colitis. With use of butyrate at a dose of mg/kg body weight, a significant preventive effect with respect to intestine damage was achieved, through inhibition of apoptosis, improvement of tight junctions between cells, which improved the integrity of the intestinal barrier and activation of the endothelial growth factor (EGF) that stimulates regeneration processes [ 18 ]. This confirms the hypothesis that inflammation and regeneration conditions in the gastrointestinal tract causing a significant increase of energy demand of mucosal cells [ 19 ] may require higher doses of butyrate.

2. In most diseases and pathological conditions, especially those with regeneration, healing, and proliferation processes, the demand of the entire organism is increasing. If a patient undergoes surgical treatment, this should be taken into account in the calculations, and the demand for energy should be multiplied by a factor of 1.2 for patients after medium-extent surgical procedures (laparoscopy), by a factor 1.6 for patients after more extensive procedures, and even by a factor of 1.8 in case of large wounds with exudate, inflammatory reactions, or infections [ 20 ]. The energy demand of different organs varies. The intraperitoneal organs, including intestines, pancreas, spleen, and stomach, which account for 6% of the body&#;s weight, use 20&#;35% of the body&#;s total energy demand, and the intestines themselves &#; about 12&#;20% [ 21 ]. In overweight patients, in patients with concurrent diseases, and in cachectic patients, energy demand of the visceral organs may increase at various treatment stages and may be difficult to cover [ 22 ]. A small proportion of this demand comes from blood vessels, and the vast majority of this demand is covered by SCFA. This indicates, on one hand, the importance and role of enteric nutrition, and on the other hand it justifies an increase in the dose of butyrate for all indications in patients with increased energy demand (patients after trauma or surgery, patients on rehabilitation or practising intensive exercise, cachectic patients, and cancer patients).

3. In the recent years, a very interesting observation emerged, that during various pathological and energy-consuming processes (surgical procedures, exposure to low temperatures, lactation, restrictions in caloric supply) the cells of the mucous membrane are stimulated to grow and proliferate. This may be a compensatory mechanism whose aim is to improve absorption and to prepare the body for better, i.e. more efficient, use of the food provided. The mechanism of this phenomenon is complex and still under investigation. One of the explanations is increased metabolism of the white fatty tissue, which induces secretion of a number of mediators (probably including leptin) that stimulate, via hypothalamus, intestine growth and cause increased supply of food (through the sensation of hunger) [ 23 ]. Experimental models have also shown that deficits in energy supply (&#;caloric restriction&#;) lead to intestine growth, both quantitative (increase in organ mass and size) and qualitative (increase in intestinal cell amount) [ 24 ]. A very interesting study was conducted in a group of overweight patients with metabolic syndrome. Within that study, both the study group and a healthy control group received mg of sodium butyrate per day. Decreased inflammatory activity of several investigated molecules and monocytes was observed in that study, which was particularly evident in the group of obese patients. This high dose of butyrate (almost eight times higher than the maximum dose currently recommended for butyric acid products available on the Polish market) showed a positive anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect without side effects or adverse reactions [ 12 ].

   In various pathological conditions, the demand of intestinal epithelial cells for energy can therefore increase significantly, due to intense proliferation of intestinal epithelium, i.e. increasing number of cells requiring energy substrates (butyric acid among them, to a large extent), high metabolism level, and concurrent increase in energy demand of the other organs. Because of the above, intestinal epithelial cells must cover the highest possible proportion of the increased energy demand by using substrates available in the digestive tract, i.e. mainly butyric acid, which justifies an increase in its supply.

4. In many situations, intestinal passage is accelerated and there is increased secretion into the intestinal lumen. This is associated, on one hand, with disturbances of the absorption ability of the intestinal epithelial cells, and on the other hand &#; with their increased energy expenditure. Another important consequence is decreased production of endogenous SCFA, because there is not enough time for natural fermentation of resistant starch and food fibre to occur. A significant reduction of SCFA production in patients with antibiotic-induced diarrhoea may be an example here. The use of antibiotics itself, without concurrent diarrhoea, also caused a decrease of SCFA levels, including the level of butyric acid, when dicloxacillin, erythromycin, and combined intravenous therapy with ampicillin and metronidazole were used [ 25 ]. The use of antibiotics, through their negative effect on the saprophytic intestinal flora, is a factor that significantly impairs the ability of intestinal epithelial cells to cover their energy demand in a physiological manner. This effect is greater during diarrhoea, which accelerates the passage time. This is confirmed by studies showing a favourable effect of supplementation with selected fatty acids in patients with travellers&#; diarrhoea, including butyric acid at a dose of mg/day in the form of sodium butyrate [ 26 ]. A very good clinical effect was found in that study, without side effects or adverse reactions.

   The clinical situations described above may therefore be an indication and justification for an increase of the dose of butyric acid supplementation in this group of patients.

5. A normal level of endogenous butyric acid production, as well as of other SCFA, depends on the physiological intestinal flora. Various types of microbiome disturbance may lead to a significant decrease of SCFA production [ 25 ]. Adverse changes within the intestinal microbiome may occur in several other conditions, often apparently unrelated. In a model of induced stroke in monkeys, significant changes in the intestinal microbiome were found; first of all, decreased amounts of Faecalibacterium, Oscillospira and Lactobacillus. This resulted in a significant decrease of endogenous fatty acid levels [ 26 27 ]. This study shows, on one hand, how apparently unrelated conditions can negatively affect the SCFA level, and on the other hand it confirms the complexity of the intestine-brain axis mechanism. It is difficult to draw far-reaching clinical conclusions, but these are the mechanisms that can explain very frequent diagnosis of functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in neurological patients. Recent studies demonstrating that in patients with Alzheimer&#;s disease a significant decline in fermenting bacteria and associated endogenous SCFA levels occur [ 28 ] indicate, on one hand, how complex the mechanisms leading to the SCFA deficit may be, and, on the other hand, how important SCFA supplementation in neurological diseases can be. The decrease of endogenous SCFA levels may justify an increase of the dose of butyrate supplementation.

6. The above-mentioned conditions associated with increased energy demand decreased the production of endogenous SCFA or their increased loss do not, of course, cover the entire broad spectrum of clinical situations where the demand for butyric acid rises. First of all, it should be recognised that a significant proportion of SCFA, including butyric acid, is absorbed along the entire length of the digestive tract. Of course, commercially available products protect butyrate in special matrices, but always some part of it will be absorbed earlier, and most of the diseases requiring butyric acid supplementation affect the lower digestive tract, including its distal parts. Studies with administration of butyric acid to chickens showed its very high absorption already at the level of the duodenum. A favourable trophic effect, growth stimulation, and optimisation of the function of the duodenal mucosa were found. Therefore, this seems to justify an increase in butyrate supplementation dose, as, on one hand, pathological conditions may also increase absorption in the upper part of the digestive tract and, on the other hand, provision of adequately high doses to the lower gastrointestinal tract should be aimed at [ 29 ]. Publications showing a role of SCFA after surgeries of the gastrointestinal tract (resections, anastomoses) as well as of the abdominal cavity (laparotomy, peritonitis, pancreatitis) are very interesting. The decrease in SCFA (levels), including butyric acid (levels), has been shown to have a negative effect on the integrity of the intestinal barrier and the tightness (normal healing) of anastomoses [ 30 ]. The conditions that are indication for surgery (inflammatory conditions, cancers) increase the demand for butyric acid, and surgery additionally raises this demand in a specific (anastomosis healing) and non-specific (increased energy demand due to surgical trauma and healing) way. Taking the above into consideration, it should be assumed that supplementation with high doses of butyrate in this group of patients is fully justified, both in the preoperative and in the postoperative period.

Supplementation with increased butyric acid doses seems to be particularly important in patients using substances, especially in cigarette smokers and alcohol drinkers, as well as in patients with other metabolic diseases, such as diabetes.

Alcohol significantly disturbs the intestinal microbiota, the final result of which is a significant decrease in production of endogenous fatty acids. Alcohol is also a factor that increases oxidative stress and increases the production of a number of its associated cytokines, such as tetradecane [31]. Decreased production of SCFA is also noted in patients smoking cigarettes, in whom microbiome changes are observed, predominantly in the form of decreased counts of fermenting bacteria responsible for the production of endogenous SCFA [32]. Smoking is also a factor that directly damages the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract [33], which activates energy-consuming regeneration and repair processes and justifies supplementation with increased doses of butyrate. Particular attention should be paid to the appropriate dose of butyrate in persons who are both alcohol consumers and smokers [33].

Metabolic diseases also affect the level of endogenous fatty acids, which may lead both to a decrease in their content in the lumen of the digestive tract and to an increase in demand. Diabetes may be one of the examples, where significant microbiome changes in microbiome and decreased production of butyric acid are observed [34]. On the other hand, it is known that the supply of endogenous butyric acid can have a positive effect on the normalisation of bacterial flora [35], as well as on the efficiency of the immune system [36].

In light of available literature and pharmacological and clinical data, it should be concluded that butyric acid is a safe drug, with a very high safe and tolerated dose. In clinical conditions, it is practically impossible to overdose butyrate in a patient, both during drug studies and when used by a patient. No clinical side effects were observed in healthy volunteers administered therapeutic doses. No toxicity or adverse effects were observed in patients in clinical trials with a mixture of SCFA in the form of enemas containing from 40 mmol/l to 100 mmol/l [16, 17]. In clinical trials with oral drug administration, the safety of the use of butyrate and the absence of side effects, as well as its fully physiological mechanism of action, are emphasised [37]. Even with doses significantly higher than the standard currently recommended doses, reaching mg/day [26] or even mg/day [15], no adverse reactions or side effects were observed, and good tolerance of oral butyrate was underlined.

It can therefore be concluded that butyric acid is a substance with physiological action, showing a high safety level, both at the current standard doses and at significantly higher doses (four or six times higher). The need to increase the dose of butyrate supplementation is supported by many of the above-mentioned reasons, and such a dose increase is safe for the patient within the range specified above.

Short-chain fatty acids, including first of all butyric acid, are essential for the proper function of the gastrointestinal tract. This demand may increase significantly across the whole range of diseases and gastrointestinal dysfunctions, which justifies supplementation at higher doses than those used at present. The most important factors supporting such action are the following:

1. Physiological high demand of the epithelial cells for butyric acid, which is their primary energy substrate; current supplementation doses cover only a small proportion of the demand.

2. The trend observed in developed countries toward a decline in the production of endogenous SCFA, which may not even cover physiological needs.

3. A large number of pathological conditions or clinical situations that significantly increase the demand for SCFA, notably by enhancing the metabolism of the epithelial cells and their energy demand.

4. Frequent coexistence of these conditions and the greater demand of intestinal epithelial cells at concurrent reduction of the production of endogenous SCFA, including butyric acid. One can say about a sort of &#;SCFA paradox&#; here: &#;the more our digestive tract needs SCFA, the more difficult it is to provide substrates and to maintain normal microbiome to assure endogenous SCFA production&#;.

5. Clinical and experimental observations confirming good effects of the use of high doses of butyrate in different pathological conditions.

6. Safety of high doses and no side effects or adverse reactions.

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