GiGi
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 259
posted
Butyric acid is one of the most important metabolites in the gastro-intestinal tract. Its functions include:
Butyric acid is the major energy source (60%) for the epithelial cells of the colon (colonocytes).
Butyrate regulates colonic cell turnover, stimulates apoptosis and orchestrates differential of colonic epithelial cells.
Butyric acid is produced along with propionic and acetic acids by the large intestinal microflora from the fermentation of complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber. The dependency of butyrate production on the normal gut microflora means that when the flora is imbalanced, depression of butyrate production is often the result. The most common cause of this is the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can dramatically decrease the number of butyrate-producing organisms. This can have the effect of starving the colonocyte cells of nutrients and, if this happens, they begin to atrophy and wither. This subsequently results in the tight junction between the colonocytes becoming loose which in turn is a classic example of leaky or permeable gut.
The best ways to increase butyrate production in the gut are to increase consumption of soluble fiber such as fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and increase intake of resistant starches, which are a component of most vegetables.
The alternative is to take butyric acid salts such as calcium and magnesium butyrate. In this form, they largely resist absorption in the small intestine but are available for absorption by colonocytes in the colon.
Butyrate is recommended for anyone with symptoms of permeable gut, but also is recommended for people who have taken an extended course of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Additionally, butyrate would be advisable for individuals receiving colonic irrigation therapy.
(When I still needed it badly, I used to take a Butyrate Complex containing Magnesium as Magnesium butyrate and Calcium as calcium butyrate. Today we take the fruit-veggie mousse I posted in the thread talking Breakfast foods. Fiber is no food to us, but it is food for microorganisms - usually the good ones. They make butyric acid and other very valuable things out of it that we need for our healthy function. )
Take care.
[ 11. October 2007, 11:56 PM: Message edited by: GiGi ]
Posts: 9834 | From Washington State | Registered: Oct 2000
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Beverly
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 1271
posted
Thank you for the info GiGi.
Posts: 6641 | From Michigan | Registered: Jun 2001
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