Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Butyrate Frequently Asked Questions
What is butyrate?
Butyrate is a postbiotic, a natural short-chain fatty acid compound made by beneficial gut bacteria during the digestion of dietary fibers. It fuels the cells that line the large intestine, strengthens the gut barrier, and helps decrease inflammation. Butyrate also supports the gut–brain axis, promoting healthy communication between the digestive system and the nervous system. Butyrate produced in the human gut or taken as a supplement is safe and beneficial, making it an important part of gut and brain health.
Chemical and physical properties
Sodium butyrate (C₄H₇NaO₂) is the sodium salt of butyric acid—a white, crystalline, highly water-soluble solid with only a mild rancid odor. Strong butyrate odor arises mainly when the salt is acidified to free butyric acid. It is readily soluble in water and should be stored in a cool, dry, and sealed container.
How much butyrate should I take?
We have ran an extensive analysis of all clinical studies with butyrate to determine the optimal dose. Based on 18 studies and the benefits associated with oral administration of butyrate, we recommend 2g dose per day (two capsules in the morning and two in the evening) gradually increasing to 4g if well tolerated.
When should I take butyrate?
At Stella Maris Therapeutics, we don't just develop and sell products but we build lasting relationships with our customers and we learn from them. We learned from patients with Parkinson's disease that their symptoms improve if they eat cheese before going to bed. Butyrate can make up as much as 1% of total weight of cheese. While indirect, these findings suggest that butyrate may provide benefits if taken before bedtime. Therefore, we recommend taking the product in the morning and in the evening with water.
What are potential side effects?
Sodium butyrate is generally recognized as safe and well tolerated. Some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort, such as gas, bloating, loose stools, or abdominal cramps—effects that are common with many gut health supplements as the body adjusts. No serious health issues have been documented at normal supplemental doses. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing may help minimize discomfort and improve tolerance.
Why does it smell bad?
Stella Maris Therapeutics uses only the highest quality ingredients that undergo rigorous quality control testing. We never add artificial flavors or colors to mask the natural aroma. This ensures that our product remains pure and effective. Because of this, our customers don’t have to worry about unwanted side effects that can come from artificial additives. While butyrate naturally has a strong scent, we use a sodium butyrate form, which helps reduce its ability to become volatile and emit a strong pungetn smell while retaining all health benefits.
Is butyrate reaching the right target?
We use capsules that are specifically formulated to withstand stomach acid and small intestine tract. The capsules are made of cellulose and gellan gum - two natural products that are specifically digested by bacteria once they reach the large intestine (colon). Using our encapsulation strategy, we ensure that butyrate reaches the side where it will be utilized by intestinal cells to promote gut health.
Butyrate Indications
Intestinal Lining Integrity
The mucus layer in the colon acts as a protective shield that separates gut microbes from the intestinal lining, reducing the risk of tissue damage and inflammation. It also serves as a lubricant, helping stool pass smoothly through the colon. Beyond this, mucus plays an important role in immune defense by carrying antimicrobial molecules and antibodies that neutralize harmful pathogens. At the same time, it supports a healthy microbiome by providing nutrients to beneficial bacteria. Altogether, this barrier is essential for maintaining gut integrity, preventing infection, and ensuring a balanced relationship between the host and its microbes. Unfortunately, mucul layer decreases with age [1]. Butyrate increases mucus secretion from goblet cells, thickening the mucosal layer that acts as another defense line against bacterial intrusion [2]. Butyrate is a primary energy source for colonocytes (cells lining the colon), supporting their health and function. Healthy colonocytes are essential for a robust intestinal barrier.
Recent studies show that sodium butyrate can enhance mucin production and support the integrity of the gut barrier. Such function is extremely important as leaky gut leads to numerous inflammatory diseases that ultimately affect the whole body. Sodium butyrate supports gut barrier integrity by promoting the expression of genes related to tight junction proteins and mucins. Animal studies and cell-based experiments show that supplementation with sodium butyrate improves the intestinal barrier, reduces permeability, and thus decreases symptoms associated with leaky gut [3].
As mentioned earlier, specialized colon cells, called goblet cells, are responsible for mucin production. In older humans, there is a measurable decrease in goblet cell numbers and the amount of mucin content per unit area in the colon. Additionally, degenerative changes are observed in mucin production, leading to a compromised mucus barrier in the elderly colon [4].
References:
1. Sovran, Bruno et al. “Age-associated Impairment of the Mucus Barrier Function is Associated with Profound Changes in Microbiota and Immunity.” Scientific reports vol. 9,1 1437. 5 Feb. 2019, doi:10.1038/s41598-018-35228-3
2. Singh, Vineet et al. “Butyrate producers, "The Sentinel of Gut": Their intestinal significance with and beyond butyrate, and prospective use as microbial therapeutics.” Frontiers in microbiology vol. 13 1103836. 12 Jan. 2023, doi:10.3389/fmicb.2022.1103836
3. He, Hanchang et al. “Sodium Butyrate Ameliorates Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Lupus-Like Mice.” Frontiers in nutrition vol. 7 604283. 11 Nov. 2020, doi:10.3389/fnut.2020.604283
4. Baidoo, Nicholas, and Gareth J Sanger. “Age-related decline in goblet cell numbers and mucin content of the human colon: Implications for lower bowel functions in the elderly.” Experimental and molecular pathology vol. 139 (2024): 104923. doi:10.1016/j.yexmp.2024.104923
Inflammation
Coming soon
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Coming soon
Parkinson's Disease
Coming soon
Alzheimer's Disease
Coming soon
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Coming soon
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Coming soon
Metabolism
Coming soon
Disclaimer
The above statements are based on extensive research but have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.