Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate) for Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Q: Does Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate) help with Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?

Based on 3 studies with 390 participants, there is limited but promising evidence that Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate) may support Ulcerative Colitis (UC) management. Our evidence grade is C (Some Evidence).

Q: How much Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate) should I take for Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?

Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 150-600 mg/day sodium or calcium butyrate. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Q: Are there side effects of Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate)?

Reported side effects may include Unpleasant taste/odor (butyric acid has a strong rancid butter smell), Mild GI discomfort (nausea, bloating), Belching with butyric acid odor, Enteric-coated formulations reduce taste issues. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

Q: How strong is the evidence for Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?

We rate the evidence as Grade C (Some Evidence). This rating is based on 3 peer-reviewed studies with 390 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

Recent 90-day RCT (140 IBD participants) showed oral butyrate improved Crohn's symptoms and QoL. Earlier studies on butyrate enemas showed benefit in distal UC.

𝕏 LinkedIn

<\/script>\n

`; }, get iframeSnippet() { const domain = 'gutcited.com'; const params = 'ingredient\u003Dbutyrate\u0026condition\u003Dibd\u002Dulcerative\u002Dcolitis'; return ``; }, get activeSnippet() { return this.method === 'script' ? this.scriptSnippet : this.iframeSnippet; }, copySnippet() { navigator.clipboard.writeText(this.activeSnippet).then(() => { this.copied = true; setTimeout(() => { this.copied = false; }, 2000); }); } }" @keydown.escape.window="open = false" @click.outside="open = false">

Embed This Widget

Style

Widget powered by . Free, no account required.

The Bottom Line

Recent 90-day RCT (140 IBD participants) showed oral butyrate improved Crohn's symptoms and QoL. Earlier studies on butyrate enemas showed benefit in distal UC.

Key Study Findings

Randomized Controlled Trial n=140 Double-blind

Impact of oral butyrate on clinical and biochemical parameters in IBD: A randomized placebo-controlled study …

Dose: None vs: placebo plus conventional therapy Outcome: clinical disease activity and fecal calprotectin Effect: None p=0.013

Population: IBD patients (60 Crohn's disease, 80 ulcerative colitis)

basic science

Lactobacillus reuteri E9 Regulates Sleep Disorders Through Its Metabolite GABA.

Dose: Lactobacillus reuteri E9 (dose not specified) vs: Placebo Effect: None < 0.05

In Vitro

Sea buckthorn berries alleviate ulcerative colitis via regulating gut Faecalibaculum rodentium-mediated butyrate biosynthesis.

Dose: None vs: DSS-induced UC mice model Outcome: UC symptom alleviation via gut microbiota Effect: None p<0.05

Population: DSS-induced UC murine model

In Vitro

Gut microbiota-derived butyrate mediates the anticolitic effect of indigo supplementation through regulating CD4+ T cell …

Dose: None vs: UC animal and clinical samples Outcome: Intestinal inflammation via CD4+ T cell regulation Effect: None None

Population: UC murine model + UC patient samples

Randomized Controlled Trial n=36 12 weeks Double-blind

Effects of Short Chain Fatty Acid-Butyrate Supplementation on the Disease Severity, Inflammation, and Psychological Factors …

Dose: 600 mg/kg with main meal vs: Placebo (rice starch) Outcome: Mayo score, ESR, anxiety/depression (HADS) Effect: Mayo score -2.33 vs +0.22 p<0.001 (Mayo, dep, GHQ)

Population: Active ulcerative colitis patients

In Vitro

Sodium butyrate regulates macrophage polarization by TGR5/β-arrestin2 in vitro.

Dose: None vs: LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells Outcome: Macrophage polarization (M1 to M2 shift) Effect: None None

Population: RAW264.7 macrophage cell line

Key Statistics

Studies

390

Participants

↑

Positive

Grade

Referenced Papers

Impact of oral butyrate on clinical and biochemical parameters in IBD: A randomized placebo-controlled study targeting gut microbiota. RCT

Digestive and liver … 2026 5 citations

Sea buckthorn berries alleviate ulcerative colitis via regulating gut Faecalibaculum rodentium-mediated butyrate biosynthesis. Other

Phytomedicine : international … 2025 17 citations

Sishen Pill & Tongxieyaofang ameliorated ulcerative colitis through the activation of HIF-1α acetylation by gut microbiota-derived propionate and butyrate. Other

Phytomedicine : international … 2025 13 citations

Sodium butyrate alleviates DSS-induced inflammatory bowel disease by inhibiting ferroptosis and modulating ERK/STAT3 signaling and intestinal flora. Other

Annals of medicine 2025 12 citations

Gut microbiota-derived butyrate mediates the anticolitic effect of indigo supplementation through regulating CD4+ T cell differentiation. Other

iMeta 2025 10 citations

Effects of Short Chain Fatty Acid-Butyrate Supplementation on the Disease Severity, Inflammation, and Psychological Factors in Patients With Active Ulcerative … Other

Journal of nutrition … 2025 9 citations

Sodium butyrate regulates macrophage polarization by TGR5/β-arrestin2 in vitro. Other

Molecular medicine (Cambridge, … 2025 8 citations

Effects of Lactobacillus paracei JY062 Postbiotic on Intestinal Barrier, Immunity, and Gut Microbiota. Other

Nutrients 2025 7 citations

Microbiome multi-omics analysis reveals novel biomarkers and mechanisms linked with CD etiopathology. Other

Biomarker research 2025 6 citations

Microbial Butyrate Modified by Melatonin Alleviates Colon Inflammation by Inhibiting GPR109A/Caspase-1-Dependent Macrophage M1 Polarization. Other

Journal of proteome … 2025 5 citations

Effects of senotherapeutics on gut microbiome dysbiosis and intestinal inflammation in Crohn's disease: A pilot study. Other

Translational research : … 2025 4 citations

Angelicin ameliorated ulcerative colitis through activating HDAC1-derived HIF-1α acetylation. Other

Phytomedicine : international … 2025 4 citations

Pingwei Powder alleviates high-fat diet-induced colonic inflammation by modulating microbial metabolites SCFAs. Other

Frontiers in cellular … 2025 4 citations

Is the microbiome the answer to inflammatory bowel disease: systematic review. Systematic Review

Langenbeck's archives of … 2025 3 citations

Association of Inflammatory Factors and Calcium Metabolism With Arthritis in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Evidence From Mediated Mendelian Randomization. Other

Mediators of inflammation 2025 2 citations

Combining mucosal microbiome and host multi-omics data shows prognostic potential in paediatric ulcerative colitis. Other

Nature communications 2025 1 citations

Lactobacillus reuteri E9 Regulates Sleep Disorders Through Its Metabolite GABA. Other

Frontiers in bioscience … 2025

Butyrate ameliorates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by facilitating autophagy in intestinal epithelial cells and modulating the gut microbiota through … Other

PloS one 2025

Butyrate ameliorated ferroptosis in ulcerative colitis through modulating Nrf2/GPX4 signal pathway and improving intestinal barrier. Other

Biochimica et biophysica … 2024 90 citations

An Engineered Butyrate-Derived Polymer Nanoplatform as a Mucosa-Healing Enhancer Potentiates the Therapeutic Effect of Magnolol in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Other

ACS nano 2024 89 citations

Effects of short-chain fatty acid-butyrate supplementation on expression of circadian-clock genes, sleep quality, and inflammation in patients with active ulcerative … RCT

Lipids in health … 2024 48 citations

Alleviating Pyroptosis of Intestinal Epithelial Cells to Restore Mucosal Integrity in Ulcerative Colitis by Targeting Delivery of 4-Octyl-Itaconate. Other

ACS nano 2024 38 citations

Butyrate Inhibits the HDAC8/NF-κB Pathway to Enhance Slc26a3 Expression and Improve the Intestinal Epithelial Barrier to Relieve Colitis. Other

Journal of agricultural … 2024 36 citations

Enhancing recovery from gut microbiome dysbiosis and alleviating DSS-induced colitis in mice with a consortium of rare short-chain fatty acid-producing … Other

Gut microbes 2024 32 citations

Gut microbiota and metabolites as predictors of biologics response in inflammatory bowel disease: A comprehensive systematic review. Systematic Review

Microbiological research 2024 31 citations

Litchi Procyanidins Ameliorate DSS-Induced Colitis through Gut Microbiota-Dependent Regulation of Treg/Th17 Balance. Other

Journal of agricultural … 2024 14 citations

Stachyose Exerts Anticolitis Efficacy by Re-balancing Treg/Th17 and Activating the Butyrate-Derived PPARγ Signaling Pathway. Other

Journal of agricultural … 2024 12 citations

Differential contributions of the gut microbiota and metabolome to pathomechanisms in ulcerative colitis: an in vitro analysis. Other

Gut microbes 2024 11 citations

Dietary Clostridium butyricum and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 modulate bone metabolism of broilers through the gut-brain axis. Other

Poultry science 2024 9 citations

Exploring the butyrate metabolism-related shared genes in metabolic associated steatohepatitis and ulcerative colitis. Other

Scientific reports 2024 9 citations

Zhili decoction ameliorates ulcerative colitis by modulating gut microbiota and related metabolite, and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway. Other

Frontiers in pharmacology 2024 2 citations

Cannabidiol can affect morphology, morphometry, enzymatic and microbial activity of rabbit digestive system. Other

Journal of animal … 2024

Gut Microbial Metabolite Butyrate and Its Therapeutic Role in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Literature Review. Review

Nutrients 2023 162 citations

Gut microbiome-associated predictors as biomarkers of response to advanced therapies in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review. Systematic Review

Gut microbes 2023 30 citations

Butyrate Protects Myenteric Neurons Loss in Mice Following Experimental Ulcerative Colitis. Other

Cells 2023 18 citations

Sodium Butyrate Protects Against Intestinal Oxidative Damage and Neuroinflammation in the Prefrontal Cortex of Ulcerative Colitis Mice Model. Other

Immunological investigations 2023 13 citations

Effect of Nuts on Gastrointestinal Health. Review

Nutrients 2023 9 citations

Fecal short chain fatty acids and urinary 3-indoxyl sulfate do not discriminate between patients with Crohn´s disease and ulcerative colitis … Other

Lipids in health … 2023 7 citations

Fucoidan Ameliorated Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Bile Acid Metabolism. Other

Journal of agricultural … 2022 202 citations

Gut microbiota-derived butyrate regulates gut mucus barrier repair by activating the macrophage/WNT/ERK signaling pathway. Other

Clinical science (London, … 2022 180 citations

Clostridium butyricum and Its Derived Extracellular Vesicles Modulate Gut Homeostasis and Ameliorate Acute Experimental Colitis. Other

Microbiology spectrum 2022 146 citations

The double-edged sword of probiotic supplementation on gut microbiota structure in Helicobacter pylori management. Review

Gut microbes 2022 107 citations

Composition and diverse differences of intestinal microbiota in ulcerative colitis patients. Other

Frontiers in cellular … 2022 88 citations

Gut microbiota in mucosa and feces of newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve adult inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome patients. Other

Gut microbes 2022 60 citations

Sodium Butyrate Effectiveness in Children and Adolescents with Newly Diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Diseases-Randomized Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Trial. RCT

Nutrients 2022 54 citations

Sodium butyrate treatment and fecal microbiota transplantation provide relief from ulcerative colitis-induced prostate enlargement. Other

Frontiers in cellular … 2022 15 citations

Effect of DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis and Butyrate on the Cytochrome P450 2A5: Contribution of the Microbiome. Other

International journal of … 2022 10 citations

Microbiota changes induced by microencapsulated sodium butyrate in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. RCT

Neurogastroenterology and motility 2020 176 citations

Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)-Mediated Gut Epithelial and Immune Regulation and Its Relevance for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Review

Frontiers in immunology 2019 3034 citations

Markers of dysbiosis in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Other

Terapevticheskii arkhiv 2019 50 citations

Beneficial effects of nutritional supplements on intestinal epithelial barrier functions in experimental colitis models in vivo. Review

World journal of … 2019 45 citations

Relationship between intestinal microbiota and ulcerative colitis: Mechanisms and clinical application of probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation. Review

World journal of … 2018 539 citations

Protective Mechanisms of Butyrate on Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Review

Current pharmaceutical design 2018 108 citations

Determinants of Reduced Genetic Capacity for Butyrate Synthesis by the Gut Microbiome in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Other

Journal of Crohn's … 2018 91 citations

Modulation of ruminal and intestinal fermentation by medicinal plants and zinc from different sources. Other

Journal of animal … 2018 15 citations

Gut Microbiome Function Predicts Response to Anti-integrin Biologic Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Other

Cell host & … 2017 399 citations

Short-Chain Fatty Acid Transporters: Role in Colonic Homeostasis. Review

Comprehensive Physiology 2017 245 citations

Gut microbiome diversity in acute infective and chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases in North India. Review

Journal of gastroenterology 2016 49 citations

The microbial metabolite butyrate regulates intestinal macrophage function via histone deacetylase inhibition. Other

Proceedings of the … 2014 1853 citations

A decrease of the butyrate-producing species Roseburia hominis and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii defines dysbiosis in patients with ulcerative colitis. Other

Gut 2014 1657 citations

Advances in treatment of ulcerative colitis with herbs: from bench to bedside. Review

World journal of … 2014 23 citations

Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum in inflammatory bowel disease. Other

Gut 2013 311 citations

Effect of butyrate enemas on inflammation and antioxidant status in the colonic mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis in remission. Review

Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, … 2010 177 citations

Resistant starches and health. Review

Journal of AOAC … 2004

Resistant starches. Other

Current opinion in … 2000 28 citations

Mucosal metabolism in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Other

Diseases of the … 1998 26 citations

Colonic sulfide in pathogenesis and treatment of ulcerative colitis. Review

Digestive diseases and … 1997 254 citations

Nutrition and ulcerative colitis. Review

Bailliere's clinical gastroenterology 1997 26 citations

Butyrate absorption and lactate secretion in ulcerative colitis. Other

Diseases of the … 1995 31 citations

Butyrate increases colonocyte protein synthesis in ulcerative colitis. Other

The Journal of … 1994 29 citations

Dosage & Usage

mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units

Commonly Used Dosages

general:: 150-600 mg/day sodium or calcium butyrate
ibdsupport:: 300-600 mg three times daily (900-1,800 mg/day)
butyrateenema:: 100 mM butyrate enema for distal UC (clinical setting only)

Upper limit: No established upper limit for oral supplements; most studies use 600-4,000 mg/day

Dosages Studied in Research

Dosage	Duration	Effect	N
None	--	Positive	140
Lactobacillus reuteri E9 (dose not specified)	--	Positive	--
None	--	Positive	--
None	--	Positive	--
600 mg/kg with main meal	12 weeks	Positive	36
None	--	Positive	--
5 mg/mL	--	Positive	--
None	--	Positive	--

Best taken: With meals; enteric-coated formulations recommended to reach the colon

Safety & Side Effects

Reported Side Effects

⚠ Unpleasant taste/odor (butyric acid has a strong rancid butter smell)
⚠ Mild GI discomfort (nausea, bloating)
⚠ Belching with butyric acid odor
⚠ Enteric-coated formulations reduce taste issues

Known Interactions

● 5-ASA medications (mesalamine) — additive anti-inflammatory effect (potentially beneficial in IBD)
● No significant adverse drug interactions known

Tolerable upper intake: No established upper limit for oral supplements; most studies use 600-4,000 mg/day

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate) help with Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?

Based on 3 studies with 390 participants, there is limited but promising evidence that Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate) may support Ulcerative Colitis (UC) management. Our evidence grade is C (Some Evidence).

How much Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate) should I take for Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?

Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 150-600 mg/day sodium or calcium butyrate. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Are there side effects of Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate)?

Reported side effects may include Unpleasant taste/odor (butyric acid has a strong rancid butter smell), Mild GI discomfort (nausea, bloating), Belching with butyric acid odor, Enteric-coated formulations reduce taste issues. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

How strong is the evidence for Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?

We rate the evidence as Grade C (Some Evidence). This rating is based on 3 peer-reviewed studies with 390 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

Related Evidence

Other ingredients for Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Curcumin B Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) C Resistant Starch D Aloe Vera (Inner Leaf Gel) D

Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate) for other conditions

Crohn's Disease C

Quick Verdict

Recent 90-day RCT (140 IBD participants) showed oral butyrate improved Crohn's symptoms and QoL. Earlier studies on butyrate enemas showed benefit in distal UC.

Evidence Strength52%

Moderate confidence

Study Breakdown

RCT (4)Meta (0)Other (0)

Compare Alternatives

See how other ingredients compare for this condition.

View all ingredients for Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Learn More

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.