Butyric acid
Also known as: Butyric acid, Butanoic acid, Butyrate
Overview
Butyric acid, also known as butanoic acid, is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced through the microbial fermentation of dietary fibers in the gut. It is naturally present in butter, milk, and certain plant-based foods. Primarily, butyric acid is utilized as a feed additive, particularly in poultry farming, to promote growth and overall health in broiler chickens. Research indicates that butyric acid possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, playing a vital role in maintaining gut health by serving as a primary energy source for colonocytes. While its application in animal husbandry is well-established, ongoing research explores its potential health benefits in humans, focusing on its role in gut health and potential protective effects during pregnancy. It can be administered directly or in protected forms to enhance stability and bioavailability.
Benefits
Butyric acid supplementation has demonstrated significant benefits, particularly in broiler chickens. A meta-analysis showed a 13.4% increase in average daily weight gain (ADG) and an 18.3% improvement in feed conversion ratio (FCR) under microbiological challenge conditions. This highlights its role in enhancing growth performance and reducing the need for antibiotics in poultry feed. Furthermore, butyric acid serves as a primary energy source for colonocytes, promoting gut health. Preliminary evidence from human studies suggests a potential protective role against preeclampsia during pregnancy, although more research is needed to confirm these findings. These benefits underscore the potential of butyric acid in both animal and human health.
How it works
Butyric acid primarily functions by providing energy to colonocytes, which are the cells lining the colon. This energy supply supports their metabolic activities and overall gut health. Additionally, butyric acid modulates the gut microbiota composition and exerts antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to a balanced gut environment. At the molecular level, it influences gene expression and cellular metabolism by inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs) and modulating the activity of various transcription factors. These actions collectively enhance gut barrier function, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy gut ecosystem.
Side effects
Butyric acid is generally considered safe, especially when used as a feed additive in broiler chickens. Human studies are limited, but no significant adverse effects have been reported to date. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects are not documented in the available literature. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications reported. Pregnant women may potentially benefit from butyrate, but further research is necessary to establish its safety and efficacy in this population. Overall, butyric acid appears to have a favorable safety profile, but continued research is needed to fully understand its effects in various populations.
Dosage
For broiler chickens, the effective dose range of butyric acid is typically between 0.5% to 1.5% of the feed, with an optimal dosage around 1% to maximize benefits in growth performance. Continuous supplementation throughout the growth period is recommended. Butyric acid can be added directly to the feed or provided in a protected form to enhance stability and bioavailability. No maximum safe dose has been definitively established, but doses above 1.5% are not commonly used. The absorption of butyric acid is high when administered in the feed, as it is directly utilized by the gut microbiota and colonocytes. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is butyric acid safe?
Butyric acid is generally safe for broiler chickens. Human safety data are limited but suggest no significant adverse effects. More research is needed to confirm its safety in humans.
How should butyric acid be administered?
For broiler chickens, continuous supplementation in the feed is recommended. It can be added directly or in a protected form to enhance stability and bioavailability.
What are the expected results of butyric acid supplementation?
In broiler chickens, expect improved growth performance, reduced need for antibiotics, and enhanced gut health. Human benefits are still under investigation.
Can butyric acid replace good husbandry practices?
No, butyric acid is not a replacement for good husbandry practices but rather a complementary feed additive to support growth and gut health.
Research Sources
- https://www.scielo.br/j/rbca/a/MwGrKtKCZbjSYJFqXNYnLyx/?format=pdf&lang=en – This meta-analysis of 36 experiments involving broiler chickens found that butyric acid supplementation increased average daily weight gain (ADG) by 13.4% and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 18.3% under microbiological challenge conditions. The study highlights the potential of butyric acid to enhance growth performance and reduce the need for antibiotics in poultry feed.
- https://repositorio.unesp.br/handle/11449/242174 – This study investigates the effects of butyric acid on broiler chickens. The research indicates that butyric acid supplementation can lead to improved gut health and enhanced growth performance in broiler chickens, supporting its use as a feed additive.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38796843/ – This scoping review analyzed 11 studies involving 1318 participants and found that lower levels of butyrate were associated with preeclampsia, suggesting a potential protective role of butyrate in pregnancy. The review highlights the need for longitudinal studies to establish causality and further explore the potential benefits of butyrate during pregnancy.
Supplements Containing Butyric acid
Nitraflex Hyperemia & Testosterone Enhancing Pwd
GAT
Ultra Concentrate Somatomax
Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals
FocusFactor
FOCUSfactor
N.O.-Xplode 2.0 Fruit Punch Trial Size
BSN
N.O.-Xplode 2.0 Watermelon
BSN
N.O.-Xplode 2.0 Green Apple
BSN
N.O.-Xplode 2.0 Advanced Strength Watermelon
BSN
White Flood
Controlled Labs
Animal PM
Animal
Stamina-Rx
Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals
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