What Is Sodium Butyrate?
Sodium butyrate is a chemical compound formed when butyric acid is converted into its sodium salt.
It is a colorless to white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and has a slightly unpleasant odor. Its molecular formula is CH3(CH2)2COONa, and its molecular weight is 110.09. Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid with a strong, distinctive odor, often compared to cheese or sweat. It is naturally produced in the human gut by intestinal bacteria fermenting dietary fiber. Sodium butyrate is a more stable and consumable form of butyric acid.
In the human colon, butyric acid serves as the main energy source for the colonic mucosa. It plays a role in maintaining the intestinal environment, suppressing inflammation, and regulating immunity. Oral intake of sodium butyrate can help increase butyric acid levels in the intestines and support gut health.
Uses of Sodium Butyrate
Sodium butyrate is widely used in health, animal husbandry, and research. Major applications include the following:
1. Health Foods and Supplements
Sodium butyrate is used as an ingredient in dietary supplements aimed at improving intestinal health. It may help regulate bowel movements and alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis by improving gut microbiota balance and enhancing the barrier function of the large intestine.
2. Feed Additives
Sodium butyrate is also used as a feed additive for livestock. It helps regulate the intestinal environment of animals, promoting growth and preventing disease. It is being explored as an alternative to antibiotics, particularly in pigs and poultry, and is gaining attention for its role in antibiotic-free livestock production.
3. Medical and Research Applications
In medical research, sodium butyrate is studied as a potential histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. HDAC inhibitors are being developed for treating cancer, infectious diseases, and inflammatory conditions.