Tributyrin
Delivers butyric acid directly to colonocytes - the primary fuel for gut lining cells. Tributyrin reaches the colon intact; oral butyrate salts are absorbed in the small intestine before getting there. Encapsulated to eliminate odour.
Mechanism
Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and the primary energy source for colonocytes - the cells lining the colon wall. Adequate colonocyte energy supply is essential for tight junction integrity (the gut barrier). Butyrate is the preferred energy substrate of colonocytes, and its supply has been a subject of ongoing research in colonic metabolism.
Tributyrin (glycerol tributyrate) is a triglyceride ester that delivers butyrate more reliably than sodium or calcium butyrate salts, which are rapidly absorbed in the stomach and small intestine before reaching the colon. Tributyrin's ester form is hydrolysed by intestinal lipases specifically in the colon - delivering butyrate where it's needed. Encapsulation is non-negotiable for palatability.
Key Benefits
- Primary colonocyte fuel - directly supports gut lining cell energy
- Tributyrin reaches the colon; butyrate salts are absorbed upstream
- Research has examined its role in colonic energy metabolism and gut barrier function
- Reduces intestinal permeability
- Encapsulated: no odour
The Research
Peer-reviewed human trials supporting this ingredient at this dose.
Tributyrin
500mgEncapsulated glycerol tributyrate - ≥97% purity
Any time of day with food. Encapsulation is essential - raw tributyrin has a highly distinctive odour. This form has none.