Butyric Acid
A short-chain fat that fuels and soothes the gut.
What is Butyric Acid?
Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid with just four carbons. Most of the body's supply is made by gut bacteria fermenting dietary fiber, and it is the preferred fuel for the cells lining the colon. Small amounts occur in butter — which is where it gets its name — and aged cheeses.
Health benefits of Butyric Acid
- The main energy source for cells lining the colon
- Supports gut-barrier integrity and a healthy microbiome
- Has anti-inflammatory effects in the digestive tract
- Produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber
Top food sources of Butyric Acid
See full rankingButter and ghee, aged cheeses, and — indirectly — high-fiber plant foods. Values shown per 100 g.
Roast beef spread
6,400 mg
Butter, salted
3,226 mg
Butter oil, anhydrous
3,226 mg
Butter, without salt
3,226 mg
Butter, whipped, with salt
2,630 mg
Butter, light, stick, with salt
1,788 mg
Butter, light, stick, without salt
1,788 mg
Cheese, goat, hard type
1,784 mg
Cheese, parmesan, grated
1,510 mg
Cheese, parmesan, low sodium
1,509 mg
Cheese, goat, semisoft type
1,496 mg
Cheese, parmesan, shredded
1,375 mg
How much Butyric Acid do you need?
There is no FDA Daily Value. Rather than eating it directly, a fiber-rich diet keeps colon butyrate levels up.
Butyric Acid deficiency
There is no dietary requirement; the most reliable way to raise butyrate is to eat more fiber so your gut bacteria can make it.
Nutrition data per 100 g from the USDA & FooDB databases. Daily Values follow the FDA 2016+ labeling standard for a 2,000-calorie diet. This guide is for general information and is not medical advice.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Butyric Acid do?
Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid with just four carbons. Most of the body's supply is made by gut bacteria fermenting dietary fiber, and it is the preferred fuel for the cells lining the colon. Small amounts occur in butter — which is where it gets its name — and aged cheeses.
How much Butyric Acid do I need per day?
There is no FDA Daily Value. Rather than eating it directly, a fiber-rich diet keeps colon butyrate levels up.
Which foods are highest in Butyric Acid?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Roast beef spread, Butter, salted, Butter oil, anhydrous, Butter, without salt, Butter, whipped, with salt.
What happens if I don't get enough Butyric Acid?
There is no dietary requirement; the most reliable way to raise butyrate is to eat more fiber so your gut bacteria can make it.