Sodium/Calcium Butyrate
Short-chain fatty acid postbiotic that feeds gut lining cells, reduces inflammation, and supports the gut-brain axis.
Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid naturally produced when gut bacteria ferment fiber. It's the primary fuel for colonocytes (colon cells), maintains gut barrier integrity, has anti-inflammatory effects, and supports the gut-brain axis. Supplemental butyrate bypasses the need for fiber fermentation, directly supporting gut health.
Primary energy source for colon cells
Epigenetic anti-inflammatory effects
Strengthens tight junctions
How Butyrate works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
300-600mg sodium/calcium butyrate, 2-3x daily
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Enteric-coated sodium or calcium butyrate | Recommended |
| 💊Tributyrin (butyrate precursor) | Alternative |
| 💊Sodium butyrate capsules | Alternative |
Enteric coating delivers more butyrate to the colon. Tributyrin may provide sustained release.
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Taking with food reduces GI discomfort. Enteric coating helps delivery to colon.
Improved gut barrier integrity
Lower intestinal inflammation
May be beneficial; work with gastroenterologist
Both affect similar pathways; may alter drug metabolism
May affect hepatic cytochrome P450 enzyme activity
Tip: Take with food; use enteric-coated
Tip: Enteric coating reduces this
Probiotics produce butyrate; supplement ensures adequate levels
Comprehensive microbiome support
Both support gut lining
Enhanced gut healing
Butyrate supports colonocyte energy supply and tight junction integrity while lactoferrin modulates mucosal immunity; together they address multiple aspects of gut barrier function.
Enhanced gut barrier integrity and mucosal immune homeostasis
Top studies from 39+ peer-reviewed papers
Nikolova VL et al. • JAMA psychiatry (2021)
“This systematic review and meta-analysis found that gut microbiota perturbations were associated with a transdiagnostic pattern with a depletion of certain anti-inflammatory butyrate-producing bacteria and an enrichment of pro-inflammatory bacteria in patients with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety.”
So D et al. • The American journal of clinical nutrition (2018)
“Dietary fiber intervention, particularly involving fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides, leads to higher fecal abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp. but does not affect α-diversity.”
Ma T et al. • Cell reports. Medicine (2025)
“A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving 110 adults with chronic constipation (Rome IV criteria) demonstrates that a 3-week Probio-Eco intervention significantly imp...”
Gao M et al. • Translational psychiatry (2023)
“This meta-analysis examined the effects of Butyrate.”
Bahji A et al. • Journal of addiction medicine (2022)
“The current meta-analyses provide evidence that several medications for AUDs are effective and safe and encourage the expanded use of these medications in the clinical setting.”
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