Does Butyrate (tributyrin / sodium butyrate) work?

Read Off Label rates the evidence for Butyrate (tributyrin / sodium butyrate) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as moderate, producing an overall grade of B+ (7.1/10). Oral free butyrate has limited colonic delivery due to rapid small-bowel absorption.

Is Butyrate (tributyrin / sodium butyrate) safe?

Butyrate (tributyrin / sodium butyrate) has a low risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.

Rankings / Immune & Inflammation

Butyrate (tributyrin / sodium butyrate)

Immune & Inflammation · Short-chain fatty acid

Tier B+

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed Jun 8, 2026 · How we grade

anti-inflammatoryotc

7.1 / 10

Tier B+

Ev 6 Bn 5 Sf 9

Bottom line

Read Off Label grades Butyrate (tributyrin / sodium butyrate) as B+ (7.1/10) based on moderate evidence, moderate benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.

Oral free butyrate has limited colonic delivery due to rapid small-bowel absorption.

Typical use: 150-600 mg tributyrin 2-3x/day with meals — OTC.

What this is

Oral free butyrate has limited colonic delivery due to rapid small-bowel absorption. Tributyrin, magnesium butyrate, coated sodium butyrate aim to reach the colon. More rationale-driven than trial-proven in healthy individuals. Best evidence in enema form for distal UC.

Mechanism

Primary SCFA fuel for colonocytes; HDAC inhibitor; anti-inflammatory via NF-κB modulation; strengthens tight junctions; tributyrin is a neutral-tasting triglyceride form surviving stomach delivery to colon

Dose & route

150-600 mg tributyrin 2-3x/day with meals

Citations

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Common questions

Does Butyrate (tributyrin / sodium butyrate) work?: Read Off Label rates the evidence for Butyrate (tributyrin / sodium butyrate) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as moderate, producing an overall grade of B+ (7.1/10). Oral free butyrate has limited colonic delivery due to rapid small-bowel absorption.
Is Butyrate (tributyrin / sodium butyrate) safe?: Butyrate (tributyrin / sodium butyrate) has a low risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
What is the typical dose for Butyrate (tributyrin / sodium butyrate)?: 150-600 mg tributyrin 2-3x/day with meals
How does Butyrate (tributyrin / sodium butyrate) work?: Primary SCFA fuel for colonocytes; HDAC inhibitor; anti-inflammatory via NF-κB modulation; strengthens tight junctions; tributyrin is a neutral-tasting triglyceride form surviving stomach delivery to colon

This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.