calcium butyrate

Calcium butyrate is the calcium salt of butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) naturally produced in the colon by bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber. It serves as both a source of supplemental calcium and as a delivery form for butyrate. In the gut, butyrate acts as the primary energy source for colonocytes and plays key roles in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, modulating immune responses, and reducing inflammation. Mechanistically, it functions primarily as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor—regulating gene expression by promoting histone hyperacetylation—which underlies its anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects[1][2][5]. Butyrate also suppresses NF-kB signaling pathways involved in inflammation and can activate PPAR-gamma to further reduce inflammatory responses[1]. Clinically and experimentally, calcium butyrate has been used to support gut health (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease), aid recovery from cerebrovascular diseases or brain injury sequelae (notably in Japan), improve metabolic parameters such as insulin sensitivity, and is being investigated for potential benefits against colorectal cancer due to its ability to induce apoptosis in abnormal cells[3][5][6]. As a supplement or nutraceutical ingredient—sometimes microencapsulated for improved delivery—it is marketed primarily for gastrointestinal health support[2][7].

Brand names

ButiShield

Other names

Calcium dibutyrateButanoic acid, calcium saltButyric acid, calcium saltCalcium;butanoate