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Butyrate

Overview​

Butyrate is a key short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced by gut bacteria through fermentation of dietary fiber. It is one of the most important SCFAs for brain health, as it can cross the blood-brain barrier and directly support mitochondrial function. Butyrate deficiencies have been linked to many neurological disorders including ADHD, and it plays crucial roles in maintaining gut barrier integrity, reducing neuroinflammation, and supporting neurotransmitter synthesis.

Recipes​

no recipes found (no foods contain this substance)

Foods​

no foods found

Biological Mechanisms and Implications​

Biological TargetTherapeutic AreasMechanism of Action
Gut MicrobiomeByproduct of fibre fermentation; supports intestinal barrier integrity; regulates immune responses; promotes synthesis of key neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin
InflammationHas anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing neuroinflammation; deficiencies linked to many neurological disorders including ADHD
Insulin Response—
Mitochondrial SupportSupports mitochondrial function, enhancing brain energy metabolism; aids in reducing cholesterol and neuroinflammation
Oxidative StressEnhances mitochondrial function during oxidative stress; supports antioxidant activity

References​

  • Butyrate and other SCFA deficiencies have been linked to many neurological disorders including ADHD Fan et al. 2019
  • Butyrate deficiencies linked to ASD and melatonin production, with relevance to ADHD populations due to symptom crossover Checa-Ros et al. 2021
  • Butyrate has anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing neuroinflammation associated with ADHD
  • Butyrate supports mitochondrial function, enhancing brain energy metabolism, which may help with cognitive impairments seen in ADHD Rose et al. 2018
  • Butyrate aids in reducing cholesterol and neuroinflammation Cavaliere et al. 2022
  • SCFAs support intestinal barrier integrity, regulate immune responses, and promote synthesis of key neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin Silva et al. 2020
  • Found in: Produced by gut bacteria from fiber fermentation; also found in butter, ghee, and some fermented dairy products