Butyrate is the name used for the conjugate base of the butyric acid. It has many effects on health. In other words, the amount of butyrate is proportional to advancement in the health of human body. It is the potential product of gut microbiome. When we say that human body contains beneficial bacteria, we take into account the products like butyrate. It has many good effects on the body like combating inflammation. It is mainly found in the gut. But through circulation, it reaches every target where it is needed. It regulates the normal colonic function. Moreover, it is an essential outcome of intestinal flora.
Formation in the human body
butyrate is a non-essential component as it is formed by the human body. It is formed in the gut specifically in the colon. The prebiotics (beneficial colonic bacteria) perform fermentation which results in the formation of butyrate. From here it is absorbed in the blood and transported to the needy organ. That is why it is important to maintain the natural flora of the gut. This has direct effects on homeostasis of the body.
Butyrate as the enhancer of health
As butyrate has many profound effects on human health it is called as a mediator of health. Butyrate wins this title by performing the following functions:
Anti-inflammatory agent
Butyrate is called as the anti-inflammatory fat. This function is prominent in the gut. It has marked effects in the treatment of diseases like IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and Crohn’s disease. When given in doses of 4g/day for 8 weeks, the body showed prominent recovery. That is why butyrate is considered as the enhancer of gut homeostasis. It maintains the normal function i.e digestion and absorption. Butyrate supplements are given to nullify the effect of these diseases.
Reduces obesity
Obesity is the base of every disease. It leads to many complications like hypertension and insulin resistance. Butyrate has a role in weight loss. A person with normal BMI has more butyrate-producing bacteria than an obese person. This shows that butyrate has a part in controlling the weight and normal working of the human body. Transplanting butyrate-producing bacteria to persona suffering from complications of obesity like insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome show marked improvement. So, butyrate needs to be there whenever you are concerned about your weight and cholesterol level.
Prevents cancer and autoimmune reactions
Studies have proved that butyrate and butyric acid play a role in preventing dysplastic proliferation. Moreover, they prevent autoimmune reactions that result in inflammation and infection. This saves the body from fatal consequences. As inflammation is an immune response and butyrate controls such responses, it has a control over the immune system. That is why it regulates the normal healthy state of the body.
Summary
To sum up, butyrate has the marked role in maintaining the health of the body. It accomplishes this function by performing many functions. If you want to measure your level of health, you should estimate the amount of butyrate in your body. That is why prebiotics knows as the mediator of health. they form butyrate which regulates the health within a sound range. Butyrate supplements are very important to save the body from inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Eating fibers is also a healthy habit. Yogurt also contains a good amount of butyrate forming bacteria. In order to have a sound body, the gut flora should be maintained.
