What is the recommended dosage for Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate)?

General: 150-600 mg/day sodium or calcium butyrate; Ibd Support: 300-600 mg three times daily (900-1,800 mg/day); Butyrate Enema: 100 mM butyrate enema for distal UC (clinical setting only)

What are the side effects of Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate)?

Potential side effects 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.

What is butyrate and how does it work for gut health?

Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid naturally produced by gut bacteria when they ferment dietary fiber. It serves as the primary energy source for colonocytes (cells lining the colon), supports intestinal barrier integrity, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Supplemental butyrate may help compensate for low endogenous production in individuals with gut dysbiosis or low-fiber diets.

What is the recommended dosage of butyrate?

Supplemental butyrate (usually as sodium butyrate, calcium-magnesium butyrate, or tributyrin) is typically dosed at 150-600 mg per day in divided doses. Tributyrin forms may offer better absorption and tolerability. Most supplements are enteric-coated or use delayed-release capsules to ensure the butyrate reaches the colon rather than being absorbed in the upper GI tract.

Are there side effects or interactions with butyrate?

Butyrate supplements are generally well-tolerated. The most common complaint is a distinctive odor associated with butyric acid, which some formulations address with enteric coating. Mild bloating or stomach discomfort may occur at higher doses. No significant drug interactions have been widely reported, but individuals with kidney disease should consult their doctor due to the mineral salt forms used.

Butyrate (Sodium/Calcium Butyrate)

fatty_acid

Also known as: Sodium Butyrate, Calcium Butyrate, Butyric Acid, Tributyrin, ButyrEn

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About

Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that serves as the primary energy source for colonocytes, providing approximately 70% of their energy needs. It may help inhibit NF-kB signaling to support a healthy colonic inflammatory response, promote regulatory T cell differentiation, and enhance tight junction assembly and mucus layer thickness via HDAC inhibition. Research suggests oral butyrate supplementation may support symptom management in inflammatory bowel conditions.

How It Works

Primary energy source for colonocytes providing approximately 70% of cellular energy; inhibits NF-kB transcription factor reducing colonic inflammation; promotes regulatory T cell differentiation via HDAC inhibition; enhances tight junction assembly (claudin-1, ZO-1) and stimulates mucus layer thickness; activates GPR109A (HCAR2) anti-inflammatory signaling.

Evidence For Conditions

Condition	Grade	Studies	Participants
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)	C	3	390	View →
Crohn's Disease	C	2	200	View →

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

Drug & Supplement Interactions

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

Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you take.

Related Ingredients

Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCT Oil) Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)

Quick Facts

Dosage: General: 150-600 mg/day sodium or calcium butyrate; Ibd_Support: 300-600 mg three times daily (900-1,800 mg/day); Butyrate_Enema: 100 mM butyrate enema for distal UC (clinical setting only)
Forms: enteric-coated capsule (preferred) tablet powder liquid enema (clinical)
Natural Sources: Produced endogenously by colonic bacteria fermenting dietary fiber, Butter (small amounts), Ghee, Parmesan cheese, Increased by consuming resistant starch, inulin, and other prebiotics
Upper Limit: No established upper limit for oral supplements; most studies use 600-4,000 mg/day
Best Time: With meals; enteric-coated formulations recommended to reach the colon

Evidence Summary

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) C

Crohn's Disease C

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.