Meta Information

ID:butyrate

Name:Butyrate

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• Sodium Butyrate
• Butanoic Acid

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

15

High Cost:

40

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Cost for a one-month supply of a standard sodium butyrate supplement.

Summary

Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced by gut bacteria fermenting dietary fiber. It is the primary energy source for colon cells, supports gut barrier integrity, and acts as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, which has epigenetic implications for gene expression. Its healthspan relevance lies in its ability to reduce systemic inflammation, improve metabolic health, and maintain a healthy gut microbiome, a key pillar of longevity.

Purpose

Supports gut health, reduces inflammation, and modulates epigenetic expression.

Card Summary

A key gut metabolite that supports colon health, reduces inflammation, and influences gene expression.

Drug Class

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

5.5

Justification:

Crucial for gut health and inflammation, but systemic longevity benefits are still being established.

Evidence

Grade:

B

Score:

6.5

Justification:

Human trials confirm gut benefits; direct longevity evidence is primarily mechanistic and from animal models.

Safety

Score:

2.5

Justification:

Generally recognized as safe (GRAS), with mild gastrointestinal side effects at high doses.

Flags

• Increasing dietary fiber is the primary and often superior method for raising butyrate levels.
• Supplements have a very strong and distinct, often unpleasant, odor.
• High doses may cause bloating, gas, or other gastrointestinal discomfort.
• The benefits of direct supplementation versus endogenous production via fiber are still debated.

Verdict

A valuable tool for gut health, best achieved through dietary fiber.

Created

2026-04-26T18:09:20.380180Z

Model

Gemini 3.1 Pro (High)

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Indication

Focus:

disease_treatment

Description:

Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced by gut bacteria fermenting dietary fiber. It is the primary energy source for colon cells, supports gut barrier integrity, and acts as a histone de...

Typical Protocol

• Typical daily dosages range from 300 mg to 2000 mg, often taken with meals to support gut health.