Butyrate has several interesting properties that make it potentially helpful for those living with suboptimal gut function. One such property is that it supports the physical structure of the colon by helping the cells that make up the intestinal lining adhere together properly. (You may have heard the term “leaky gut,” which refers to these cells being farther apart than normal, which may compromise the integrity of the gut.) The gut is one of the body’s first lines of defense against harmful compounds, so it is a primary player in the immune system. By supporting the gut lining, butyrate contributes to healthy immune function. Additionally, butyrate helps promote regularity, which may aid those with occasional constipation. This intriguing compound also supports a healthy inflammatory response in the gut and serves as the primary fuel source for colonic cells.

By promoting intestinal integrity, butyrate may influence a number of physical and psychological health concerns. Crosstalk between the gut and the brain is well known—a.k.a. the gut‑brain axis—but medical literature also documents a gut‑skin axis,15 a gut‑kidney axis,16 a gut‑lung axis,17 and links between the gut and a host of other extra‑intestinal tissues, suggesting that gut dysfunction and/or altered gut flora may contribute to pathologies throughout the body. In particular, neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, as well as select psychiatric disorders, are theorized to have origins in gut disturbances,18‑23 and targeting butyrate production is being investigated as a potential therapeutic intervention for various neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions.24‑26 Most of the butyrate produced by bacterial fermentation serves to nourish colonic cells, but small amounts enter systemic circulation and may be beneficial to the brain and central nervous system.

Dosage: 2 scoops daily or as directed by your health care practitioner.

Contraindications: No known contraindications.