Sodium butyrate is a naturally occurring compound that plays an important role in gut health. It's a type of short chain fatty acid that your body produces when gut bacteria break down dietary fibre.1
You might have come across sodium butyrate whilst researching digestive health, microbiome support or gut friendly supplements. This guide explains what it is, where it comes from and why so many people are now exploring it as part of their wellness routine.
What does sodium butyrate actually mean?
Sodium butyrate is the sodium salt form of butyric acid. Butyric acid is one of several short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are created in your colon when beneficial bacteria ferment fibre from the food you eat.
Think of butyric acid as the raw form and sodium butyrate as the stable, supplemental version. The sodium salt makes it easier to handle, encapsulate and absorb without the strong smell and taste that butyric acid naturally has.
In supplement form, sodium butyrate is sometimes listed under alternative names including na butyrate, natrium butyrate, butyric acid sodium salt or even its chemical formula C4H7NaO2. These all refer to the same core compound.
Where does sodium butyrate come from?
Your body makes butyrate every day, as long as you're eating enough fibre. Gut bacteria in your large intestine ferment soluble and insoluble fibre from vegetables, wholegrains, pulses and other plant foods. The by-product of this fermentation process is butyrate, along with other short chain fatty acids like acetate and propionate.2
Once produced, butyrate becomes the primary fuel source for the cells lining your colon. It helps maintain the integrity of your gut lining and supports a balanced inflammatory response.
When you take sodium butyrate as a supplement, you're essentially providing a direct source of this compound, bypassing the need for bacterial fermentation.
Why is sodium butyrate important for gut health?
Butyrate has several roles within the gut. It nourishes colonocytes (the cells of your colon), supports the mucosal barrier and helps regulate immune activity in the gut lining.1
For people who don't produce enough butyrate naturally, perhaps due to low fibre intake, antibiotic use or an imbalanced microbiome, supplementing with sodium butyrate offers a way to support these essential processes.
It's not a replacement for a healthy diet, but it can be a useful addition when dietary fibre alone isn't enough or when someone is working to rebalance their gut environment.
To learn more about what sodium butyrate is used for, tap here to view our guide.
What forms does sodium butyrate come in?
Most sodium butyrate supplements are available as capsules. These are often enteric coated or microencapsulated, which means the coating protects the butyrate from being broken down too early in the digestive process.
Without this coating, much of the butyrate could be absorbed in the stomach or small intestine rather than reaching the colon, where it's needed most. Coated formulations help ensure the butyrate is delivered to the right place.
You might also see powdered forms, though these are less common for general use due to taste and odour considerations.
How much sodium butyrate do people typically take?
Dosing varies depending on the product and individual needs. Many supplements contain between 300mg and 600mg of sodium butyrate per capsule, with suggested servings ranging from one to three capsules daily.
It's always best to start with the lowest effective dose and adjust based on how your body responds. If you're working with a nutritionist, herbalist or GP, they can help guide you on the right amount for your situation. At Napiers, we offer a free 1:1 consultation with our team of passionate herbalists. They will listen and understand your unique needs, and recommend a herb and supplement routine personalised to you. If you'd like to book a free call, tap here.
Is sodium butyrate suitable for everyone?
Sodium butyrate is generally well tolerated, but it's not suitable for everyone. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a diagnosed health condition, you should speak to a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
Some people may experience mild digestive changes when they first begin taking butyrate, particularly if they start with a higher dose. These effects usually settle within a few days.
To learn more about who should consider supplementing sodium butyrate, tap here.
Can you get butyrate from food?
Yes, indirectly. You can't eat butyrate directly from food in meaningful amounts, but you can support your body's natural production of it by eating a fibre rich diet.
Foods that encourage butyrate production include:
- Oats, barley and other wholegrains
- Lentils, chickpeas and beans
- Onions, garlic and leeks
- Apples, bananas and berries
- Green leafy vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
These foods feed the beneficial bacteria that produce butyrate in your gut. For some people, diet alone is enough. For others, particularly those with compromised digestion or low microbial diversity, a supplement may offer additional support.
Sodium butyrate is a gut friendly compound that your body naturally produces from fibre. It supports the health of your colon lining, nourishes gut cells and plays a role in maintaining a balanced gut environment.
Whether you're new to gut health or simply curious about how butyrate fits into the bigger picture, understanding what it is and where it comes from is a useful first step. If you're considering supplementation, look for high quality, coated formulations and consult a knowledgeable practitioner if you're unsure where to start.
Frequently asked questions
Is sodium butyrate the same as butyric acid?
Not quite. Butyric acid is the naturally occurring short chain fatty acid produced by gut bacteria. Sodium butyrate is the sodium salt form of butyric acid, which makes it more stable and easier to take as a supplement. Your body converts sodium butyrate back into butyric acid once it reaches your colon.1
Can I get enough butyrate from food alone?
You don't eat butyrate directly from food. Instead, your gut bacteria produce it when they ferment dietary fibre. If you eat a varied, fibre rich diet with plenty of wholegrains, vegetables and pulses, your body may produce sufficient butyrate on its own. However, people with low fibre intake or compromised gut flora may benefit from supplementation.2
How long does it take for sodium butyrate to work?
This varies from person to person. Some people notice improvements in digestive comfort within a few days, whilst others may need several weeks of consistent use. Sodium butyrate works gradually to support gut cell health and isn't an instant fix.3
Can I take sodium butyrate with other supplements?
Sodium butyrate is generally well tolerated alongside most supplements. It's often combined with probiotics, prebiotics and other gut health supplements. However, if you're taking medication or have a health condition, check with your healthcare provider first.4
Do I need to take sodium butyrate forever?
Not necessarily. Many people use sodium butyrate for a specific period whilst working on improving their diet and gut health. Once your fibre intake increases and your microbiome is more balanced, you may be able to reduce or stop supplementation. Work with a practitioner to assess your individual needs.5
References
- Hamer HM, et al. Review article: the role of butyrate on colonic function. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2008;27(2):104-119.
- Canani RB, et al. Potential beneficial effects of butyrate in intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2011;17(12):1519-1528.
- Guilloteau P, et al. From the gut to the peripheral tissues: the multiple effects of butyrate. Nutrition Research Reviews. 2010;23(2):366-384.
- Leonel AJ, Alvarez-Leite JI. Butyrate: implications for intestinal function. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care. 2012;15(5):474-479.
- Gao Z, et al. Butyrate improves insulin sensitivity and increases energy expenditure in mice. Diabetes. 2009;58(7):1509-1517.
