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Clostridium butyricum

Also known as: Clostridium butyricum, C. butyricum, butyrate-producing gut symbiont

Overview

Clostridium butyricum is a spore-forming, anaerobic bacterium naturally found in the human gut microbiome. It is a well-established probiotic, particularly in Asia, used to support gut health. Its primary benefit lies in its ability to produce butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid crucial for colonocyte energy and anti-inflammatory effects. C. butyricum is used in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), as well as for modulating metabolic and immune functions. It works by restoring gut microbiota diversity and increasing beneficial bacteria. While research is moderately mature, more high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to confirm efficacy across various indications. It is available in capsules, powders, and fermented foods.

Benefits

Clostridium butyricum offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily related to gut health. It is effective in the prevention and amelioration of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) by restoring gut microbiota diversity and increasing beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides. Animal studies suggest potential in reducing obesity via increased energy expenditure and modulation of bile acid metabolism, though human trials are needed. Some research indicates it may improve postoperative inflammation and immune function after gastrectomy. Proposed secondary benefits include potential improvements in irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and colorectal cancer through butyrate-mediated anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory pathways. Effects on gut microbiota can be observed within days to weeks of supplementation.

How it works

Clostridium butyricum's primary mechanism of action involves the production of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that serves as an energy source for colonocytes and exerts anti-inflammatory effects in the gut. It modulates gut microbiota composition, increasing beneficial bacterial populations. C. butyricum interacts with immune signaling pathways in the gut, potentially influencing systemic immunity. Butyrate produced by C. butyricum acts on butyrate receptors and inhibits histone deacetylase. It also interacts with the gut-liver axis via bile acid metabolism modulation and may influence the gut-brain axis. Some evidence suggests C. butyricum may elevate TLR4/NF-κB signaling, which could aggravate inflammation in certain contexts.

Side effects

Clostridium butyricum is generally recognized as safe, with decades of probiotic use showing no serious adverse events in most studies. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and gas. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of users, include rare cases of bacteremia associated with probiotic use, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Severe infections are extremely rare but have been documented in case reports. No significant drug interactions have been reported; however, caution is advised in immunocompromised patients. Severe immunodeficiency or critical illness may contraindicate use due to the risk of bacteremia. Use in neonates and critically ill patients requires caution due to infection risk.

Dosage

Typical probiotic doses of Clostridium butyricum range around 10^8 to 10^9 CFU per day, based on available studies. Doses of approximately 3.4 × 10^8 CFU/kg have been used in clinical studies. The maximum safe dose is not well established, but doses used in studies have not reported toxicity. It is often administered during or after antibiotic therapy for AAD prevention. C. butyricum is available as capsules, powders, or fermented foods. Its spore-forming nature enhances viability and survival through gastric acid. While no specific cofactors are required, prebiotics may enhance colonization. Long-term use is generally safe, but immunocompromised individuals should consult healthcare providers.

FAQs

Is C. butyricum safe for long-term use?

Generally yes, but immunocompromised individuals should consult healthcare providers due to a slightly elevated risk of bacteremia.

How quickly does it work?

Gut microbiota changes can occur within days; clinical benefits, such as reduced diarrhea, may take weeks to manifest.

Can it be used with antibiotics?

Yes, it is often used to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea by helping to restore the balance of gut bacteria.

Does it cause infections?

Rarely, mainly in vulnerable populations such as those with severe immunodeficiency or critical illness.

Is it effective for all gut disorders?

Evidence is strongest for AAD; other uses, such as for IBD or IBS, require more research to confirm efficacy.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8078720/ – This small RCT (n=5 per group) in healthy controls and antibiotic-treated groups showed that C. butyricum maintained gut microbiota diversity and increased beneficial bacteria compared to the antibiotic-only group. The study suggests that C. butyricum may help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea by preserving the gut microbiome, but the small sample size limits the strength of the conclusions.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/4/23-1633_article – This article reports 11 cases of C. butyricum bacteremia linked to probiotic use, highlighting a rare but serious infection risk in susceptible individuals. The case series emphasizes the importance of safety considerations when using C. butyricum probiotics, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10609426/ – This animal study found that C. butyricum strain CCFM1299 reduced obesity markers in mice by increasing energy expenditure and modulating bile acid metabolism. The findings suggest a potential role for C. butyricum in managing obesity, but further research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.1076245/full – This clinical trial demonstrated that oral C. butyricum reduced early postoperative inflammation and enhanced immune function after gastrectomy in humans. The study supports the immunomodulatory role of C. butyricum and suggests it may be beneficial for postoperative recovery.
https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/msystems.00732-23 – This study found that C. butyricum failed to alleviate necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) inflammation in mice and may exacerbate TLR4/NF-κB signaling, contrasting with other Clostridia species. The findings indicate strain-specific effects and potential risks in inflammatory conditions, suggesting caution is needed when using C. butyricum in certain contexts.