Can butyrate reduce inflammation?

From the Guidelines

Butyrate can reduce inflammation, primarily by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a key regulator of inflammatory responses, as supported by recent studies on gut health and dietary influences on inflammation 1.

Key Mechanisms of Butyrate in Reducing Inflammation

• Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber in the colon.
• It promotes the development of regulatory T cells, which help control immune responses and prevent excessive inflammation.
• Butyrate also strengthens the intestinal barrier by enhancing tight junction proteins, preventing leakage of inflammatory substances into the bloodstream.

Increasing Butyrate Levels

• Consuming more fiber-rich foods like whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables can naturally increase butyrate levels.
• Butyrate supplements, typically in the form of sodium butyrate or tributyrin, are available with common dosages ranging from 300-600mg daily, as noted in studies on dietary interventions for inflammatory bowel disease 1.
• However, optimal dosing varies by individual and condition being treated, and if considering supplements, it's advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase while monitoring for digestive side effects.

Clinical Implications

• The relationship between diet, gut microbiota, and inflammation is complex, with dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet showing reduced levels of inflammation and a lower chance of developing chronic diseases 1.
• Specific dietary components, such as prebiotics and probiotics, have regulatory effects on individuals with inflammatory diseases, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit in managing symptoms and reducing the risk of chronic illnesses 1.

From the Research

Butyrate and Inflammation Reduction

• Butyrate, a gut microbial metabolite, has been shown to play a crucial role in regulating immune function, epithelial barrier function, and intestinal homeostasis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• Research has demonstrated that butyrate has anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce inflammation in the context of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• The mechanisms of butyrate's anti-inflammatory effects include:
  • Histone deacetylase inhibitor activity 4, 6
  • Activation of PPARγ and GPR109A, GPR41, and GPR43 receptors 4
  • Regulation of regulatory T cells and decrease of NF-κB activation 6
  • Stimulation of mucus production from epithelial cells and rearrangement of tight junction proteins 6
• Studies have shown that butyrate supplementation can reduce inflammation and maintain remission in colitis animal models and IBD patients 2, 5.
• Butyrogenic diets, including germinated barley foodstuff and oat bran, can increase fecal butyrate concentrations and reduce disease activity index in both animal models and IBD patients 2.