Sodium Butyrate – Health and Business Potential in the Gut Health Market

The growing interest in gut health and the microbiome has fueled rapid expansion in the functional food and supplement industry. Among the most promising bioactive compounds emerging in this space is sodium butyrate—the sodium salt of butyric acid. Its well-documented health benefits have led to its increasing use not only in dietary supplements but also in functional foods and specialized medical formulations.

What is Sodium Butyrate and Why Does it Matter?

Sodium butyrate is the salt form of butyric acid, a key short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) naturally produced in the colon during the fermentation of dietary fiber by gut bacteria. Under normal physiological conditions, butyric acid is synthesized from undigested fiber, resistant starch, and sugar alcohols.

Among SCFAs in the colon, the distribution is approximately:

• Acetic acid – 60%
• Propionic acid – 25%
• Butyric acid – 15%

Despite being less abundant, butyric acid plays a crucial role in maintaining gut epithelial health, supporting barrier integrity, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.

Therapeutic Applications of Sodium Butyrate

Sodium butyrate-based formulations are increasingly used as supportive treatments for:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. ulcerative colitis)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Functional gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. constipation, bloating, diarrhea)
• Microbiota imbalances
• Conditions leading to mucosal atrophy

This compound helps stimulate mucin production, improves gut motility, and positively influences visceral sensitivity. As a result, it serves as a valuable component in therapeutic supplements and medical nutrition products.

Dietary Sources vs. Supplementation

Natural sources of sodium butyrate include:

• Butter
• Cow, goat, and sheep milk
• Aged cheeses (e.g. Parmesan, Gouda, Cheddar, Emmental)

However, because butyric acid is absorbed early in the small intestine and its production in the colon relies on fiber intake, a fiber-rich diet—including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes—is essential to stimulate natural synthesis.

In cases of increased need, such as malabsorption conditions, targeted supplementation with sodium butyrate may be beneficial.

Available Forms of Sodium Butyrate Supplements

Sodium butyrate is available in various forms, including:

• Capsules and tablets
• Powders and granules (including slow-release formats)
• Rectal suppositories

Increasingly, multi-ingredient formulations are being developed, combining sodium butyrate with:

• Probiotics
• Prebiotics (e.g. fructooligosaccharides)
• Compounds that strengthen the gut barrier

These synergistic formulas are tailored to meet the needs of specific patient groups.

Business Opportunities – Who Can Benefit from Sodium Butyrate?

Sodium butyrate products hold potential across multiple sectors:

• Pharmaceutical and supplement industries
• Clinical nutrition
• Medical food production
• Functional food development
• Probiotic and prebiotic therapies
• Veterinary applications (e.g. animal health formulations)

For companies seeking effective and safe ingredients to support digestive health, sodium butyrate offers a highly tolerable and therapeutically potent solution.

Safety and Recommendations

Sodium butyrate is well-tolerated and suitable for use in adults and children over 7 years old. Mild side effects—such as bloating or intestinal discomfort—are generally short-lived and related to fermentation activity.

For best results, it’s recommended to take sodium butyrate after meals, as this aids its transit through the digestive system and promotes gradual release.

Sodium butyrate is a science-backed compound with proven benefits for gut health. As the demand for functional and therapeutic products continues to rise, this natural, effective, and safe ingredient offers compelling value for health-focused companies.

If your business is considering expanding into microbiome-supportive or gut barrier-targeted products, sodium butyrate is a smart ingredient to consider.

Cortex Chemicals is one of the leading European importers and distributors of high-quality sodium butyrate. We ensure our business partners have consistent access to raw materials and on-time deliveries across Europe. For over 40 years, we’ve played a key role in the supply chain of ingredients for the pharmaceutical, food, and nutraceutical industries, providing components from renowned global manufacturers.

Our sodium butyrate meets all relevant local and EU regulations concerning the trade of chemical substances. We also offer intermodal transport, warehousing, and custom packaging tailored to individual customer needs.

Need more information or a detailed offer? Get in touch with our advisory team — we’re here to help!