Why Butyric Acid is So Important for Your Health
What is butyric acid and why should you care?
At first glance, it's not the most pleasant substance. Butyric acid, also known as butanoic acid, is primarily associated with an unpleasant smell reminiscent of spoiled butter or rancid cheeses. Despite this, this organic acid surprisingly has a wide range of applications—from human health to agriculture to ecological cleaning. So how is it possible that a substance with such a repulsive aroma is gaining increasing attention even among enthusiasts of natural body care and a healthy lifestyle?
How butyric acid is formed and how it works in the body
Butyric acid is naturally produced during the fermentation of fiber in the intestines. Enter intestinal bacteria, particularly those from the Firmicutes group, which break down indigestible fiber into short-chain fatty acids—and butyric acid is one of them. In the human body, it plays an important role: it supports intestinal mucosa health, reduces inflammatory reactions, and helps maintain balance in the intestinal microbiota.
For this reason, it has increasingly come to the forefront in recent years as a dietary supplement. Butyrate, the salt of butyric acid, is sold in capsule or powder form and is particularly recommended for digestive issues, irritable bowel syndrome, or during recovery after antibiotic treatment.
Interestingly, butyric acid was first isolated in 1814 from butter fat—hence its name. And due to its unmistakable smell (or rather "unmistakable stench"), most people associate it with something unclean or unpleasant. The smell of butyric acid is so penetrating that in some cases, it is used as a means to repel animals or even in so-called "biological protests." In the past, it was even used by activists to disrupt some public events because its aroma can completely paralyze an area.
Uses of butyric acid beyond health
While butyric acid is mainly known for its role in the intestines, its applications (butyric acid uses) extend far beyond the human body. In agriculture, it serves as an attractant for insects—for example, in mosquito research or as bait in pest control. In laboratories, it is used in epigenetics studies because it affects histone activity, the proteins around which DNA winds, which can alter gene expression without altering the genetic code itself.
In perfumery, it would probably not be used voluntarily, but in small amounts, its derivatives appear in some synthetic fragrances—in the right concentration, it allegedly contributes to the authenticity of certain "cheesy" or fermented notes.
Its ecological use is also interesting: thanks to its smell, it reliably deters wildlife from unwanted entry into certain areas, such as gardens or fields. In Slovakia, butyric acid has been used several times as a "biological fence" against bears. It is a cheap, natural, and relatively safe alternative to chemical repellents.
Butyric acid in cosmetics and dietary supplements
Although its aroma evokes a freshly opened bio-waste container, butyric acid is beginning to appear in cosmetics in modified forms. Companies are working on developing stable, odorless forms that retain beneficial anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects but eliminate the unpleasant smell. The result is, for example, creams for problematic skin that support skin barrier renewal and relieve eczema or acne.
In the field of dietary supplements, sodium or calcium butyrate is popular, stable forms of butyric acid that do not smell and can be consumed without worry. The price of these supplements varies depending on the form and manufacturer, but the price of butyric acid in dietary supplements usually ranges from 300 to 700 CZK per package containing 60 to 90 capsules. The advantage is that the capsules are designed to dissolve in the intestines—where butyric acid is biologically active.
Why people with inflammatory diseases are interested in it
Some patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease have experienced that supplementing with butyric acid can have a positive effect on alleviating symptoms. According to a study published in the journal Gut Microbes, a daily dose of butyrate can reduce inflammatory markers and support intestinal mucosa healing. In layman's terms: butyric acid "feeds" the cells of the colon and helps maintain their integrity.
It also has significant potential in the field of mental health—some research indicates that butyrate may act on the gut-brain axis and contribute to mood improvement or anxiety reduction. Although these are preliminary findings, they raise great hopes, especially at a time when the number of people suffering from mental health issues and digestive problems simultaneously is increasing.
How to avoid the unpleasant smell?
The most common question remains: "Does butyric acid really smell that bad?" Yes. But—and this is an important addition—in food supplements, cosmetics, or agricultural products, derivatives or stabilized forms are used that eliminate the smell. So if you're tempted to try butyrate as a supplement, there's no need to fear "cheesy breath" or a scent cloud around you.
And by the way—you'll find it in nature in places you might not expect. Small amounts of butyric acid are produced by ripe bananas or Parmesan cheese. In small concentrations, it adds a specific, often valued flavor to fermented products.
Where to get butyric acid and what to watch out for
If you're considering incorporating it into your routine, it's recommended to opt for certified dietary supplements that guarantee proper dosing and safe composition. There are various options on the market—from capsules to powders to liquid forms—but controlled-release capsules are currently seen as the most effective form of administration. When choosing, pay attention not only to the price of butyric acid but also to the presence of added substances, the method of production, and the recommended dosage.
An example from practice is the case of Mrs. Lenka from Brno, who, after long-term digestive problems, tried butyrate as a dietary supplement on the recommendation of her nutrition therapist. After several weeks of use, she noticed relief from bloating and overall improvement in digestion. "I was a bit worried about the unpleasant smell, but the capsules have no scent at all, so it was definitely worth it for the effect," she says.
Given that butyric acid is a substance natural to the body, it represents a gentle way to support healthy digestion, reduce inflammation, and improve microbiome balance—all without major impacts on the body. Although its name still evokes a slight smile (or a nose wrinkling), it cannot be denied one thing: it is a small hero of intestinal balance with great potential for our health.
