A: Butyrate is probably the most important short-chain fatty acid. Butyrate is a special type of fat that actually functions as a “Postbiotic,” a compound produced by beneficial colonic bacteria, as a result of break-down fibers via fermentation. It can help support the integrity of the intestinal lining, healthy gut flora, and bowel function, as we rebalance the gut. It has a number of benefits, as butyrate can:
Protect the intestinal barrier
Limit auto-reactive immune responses
Control inflammation
Protect colon health
Be Beneficial to brain health
Help with Insulin control
Butyrate is mostly produced by beneficial bacteria, like probiotics. The main butyrate producing bacteria belong to the phylum Firmicutes family. Lactobacillus can also produce butyrate. Lactic acid bacteria are what are used to ferment foods. So, having foods like fermented cabbage would work.
An easy way to incorporate butyrate in your diet could be by supplementing with Butyrate Balance by Rootcology. The dose is 1 capsule at breakfast.