The Benefits of Butyrate for Whole-Body Wellness
The gut microbiome is a complex ecological system containing hundreds of species of microorganisms. Each of these tiny microorganisms contribute in big ways to human and animal health. The microbiome affects major organs across the body, assisting our digestive system in producing energy, supporting our immune system by protecting the body from pathogens, and contributing to many day-to-day functions. One of the keys to making these crucial gut-body connections is a signaling molecule called butyrate.
Butyrate is a metabolite postbiotic that is typically produced in the gut as a result of probiotics and endogenous bacteria feeding on and fermenting prebiotic substrate. Once generated in the body, butyrate strengthens the intestinal barrier function and gut health, while also modulating immune and inflammatory responses. It serves as one of the most important short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as over 90% of cells have butyrate receptors. Want to learn more about how butyrate supports whole-body wellness? Continue reading below!
Gut Health – Barrier Integrity
A healthy gut barrier is vital to human and animal health. It is the first line of defense against anything we consume that could be dangerous, including toxins or harmful bacteria. The gut barrier is made up of two main components – the mucosal layer and the epithelial layer. Butyrate signals to increase the production of mucin (what makes up the mucosal layer) to thicken and strengthen the gut barrier, helping to avoid issues like leaky gut syndrome.
Immune Health
One mechanism in which butyrate supports healthy immune function is its ability to stimulate Free Fatty Acid Receptors (FFARs). These are receptors in cells that are particularly attuned to recognizing short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). When the presence of butyrate is detected by FFARs in the gut epithelial layer, a signal is sent to the cell, triggering a cascade of signals that ultimately leads to the activation of immune cells. Butyrate also signals for anti-microbial peptide (AMP) production, which is essential in fighting pathogens. Finally, as mentioned above, butyrate helps maintain a healthy gut barrier, which protects against infection caused by pathogens and harmful molecules entering the bloodstream.
Inflammation Regulation
Butyrate helps regulate inflammation through its signaling abilities. When the immune system is in fight mode and is signaling for anti-inflammatory cells to regulate inflammation levels, butyrate assists in activating the necessary cell responses. Butyrate also supports inflammation regulation through its histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitory effects. By inhibiting HDAC enzymes, butyrate aids in regulating the expression of genes that produce inflammatory cells. Many studies already show strong associations between butyrate and healthy inflammatory profiles in the gut and beyond.
Gut-Brain Axis
There is a copious amount of evidence demonstrating the relationship between butyrate and the brain/nervous system. FFARs, mentioned above as the SCFA-sensitive receptors, have been found on many nerve and brain cells. This indicates that butyrate may be directly interacting with the brain and/or nervous system as a signaling molecule. Scientists have identified a few indirect mechanisms thus far, one of which is butyrate’s activity as an HDAC inhibitor. Studies show that when butyrate inhibits the HDAC enzymes in brain cells, there is an upregulation of genes that code for oxidative stress resistance and neurotrophic factors.
Direct butyrate generation, unaffected by the variation in people’s microbiomes, is now a possibility with ButyraGenTM. This means that nearly all people can reap the multitude of butyrate benefits for whole body wellness. Ready to take the guesswork out of your digestive health formula? Find out more from NutriScience – your source of innovation.
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