Butyrate (butyric acid)

Butyrate (butyric acid) is a short-chain fatty acid. It is produced in the colon when bacteria such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia and Eubacterium ferment dietary fibre and resistant starch. Butyrate is measured in stool together with acetate, propionate and the iso fatty acids (analysis “Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA)”).

What butyrate does in the body

Butyrate is the main energy source of the cells lining the colon – they cover a large part of their energy needs from it. It supports the connections between the lining cells (tight junctions) and the formation of the protective mucus layer. Via its own receptors and gene regulation (inhibition of histone deacetylases), butyrate is also involved in controlling the immune cells of the gut wall and in regulating inflammatory responses.

Low butyrate – what does it mean?

Low levels are often found with a low-fibre diet, after antibiotics and when butyrate-producing bacteria are scarce in the gut flora. Studies have observed fewer butyrate producers in, among others, chronic inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Whether a low value fits your symptoms only becomes clear together with the microbiome analysis and the other values.

High butyrate – what does it mean?

Most of the butyrate produced is taken up directly by the gut lining; only a small remainder appears in stool. A raised value can therefore point to plentiful production – for example with a high-fibre diet – but also to fast gut transit or reduced uptake, for example with diarrhoea.

The interpretation is given in your report.