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Gastroenterology Terapia 2020, 8 ( 391 ) :  52  -  57

The role of butyric acid in gastrointestinal diseases

Summary: Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) commonly found in the large intestine. It is formed mainly in the process of fiber fermentation in the colon and is an important source of energy for colonocytes. It has a strong trophic effect on the intestinal epithelium, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. In addition, it plays an important role in maintaining normal pH levels and protecting the intestinal mucosa from microbes. The use of butyric acid to promote the growth and maturation of intestinal epithelial cells causes a gradual reconstruction of the affected intestinal mucosa and restoration of the physiological intestinal barrier. For many years, butyric acid was administered rectally as infusions. Currently, due to higher bioavailability, sodium butyrate is used in the form of microcapsules. Supplementation is indicated for inflammatory di-seases of the gastrointestinal tract and functional disorders.
Keywords: butyric acid, diarrhea, gastrointestinal diseases

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