Butyrate (also known as butanoate) is the traditional name for the conjugate base of butyric acid (also known as butanoic acid). The formula of the butyrate ion is C₄H₇O₂⁻. The name is used as part of the name of esters and salts of butyric acid, a short chain fatty acid.

You’re probably going to be hearing the word ‘butyrate’ a lot soon. But what is it exactly?

Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid which fuels the cells lining your colon and strengthens your protective intestinal mucosa. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory effects beyond the gut, reducing oxidative stress (imbalance between free radicals and detoxifying antioxidants) and managing the production of regulatory T-cells (the ones that help your body distinguish between self and intruder).

Want more butyrate? Well, this is where the story gets interesting. Butyrate is a byproduct of certain bacteria and the work they do. You see, certain bacteria in your colon break down dietary fiber and produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate in the process.