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You know that gut-healthy ingredient everyone’s talking about? Butyrate?

Here’s the dirty secret: most butyrate supplements are basically expensive placebos for your colon.

They get absorbed way too early—like, stomach and upper intestine early—leaving your colon starving for the very nutrient it desperately needs.

It’s a delivery problem no one talks about.

Until tributyrin.

Let me explain why this matters for your gut.

p.s. The idea for this article came directly from my Supplement Sunday newsletter. Sign up to learn everything about supplements you never knew you needed to know.

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First, Let’s Talk About SCFAs and Why Your Gut Is Begging for Them

SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids) are tiny but mighty molecules your gut bacteria produce when they ferment fiber. Think of them as the ultimate gut fuel.

The three main players are:

• Acetate (the multitasker)
• Propionate (the metabolic helper)
• Butyrate (the superstar we’re focusing on)

So, butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid.

Now, here’s what makes butyrate special: it’s the primary energy source for your colonocytes (the cells lining your colon).

We’re talking about 70% of their total energy coming from butyrate. Without it, those cells literally can’t do their job.

But here’s the problem: An estimated 95% of Americans aren’t getting enough fiber. And no fiber = no butyrate production. Your gut bacteria can’t make what they don’t have the raw materials for.

That’s where supplementation comes in.

Or at least, where it should come in.

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What Is Butyrate (and Why Does Everyone Get It Wrong)?

Butyrate (butyric acid) is a four-carbon short-chain fatty acid that your colon cells use as fuel.

When your gut is producing enough butyrate naturally, amazing things happen:

• Your gut barrier stays strong and sealed (goodbye, leaky gut)
• Inflammation decreases
• Your colonocytes have the energy to regenerate and function properly
• The protective mucus layer in your gut stays thick and healthy
• Tight junctions between cells stay… well, tight (this goes back to leaky gut)

Sounds great, right? So naturally, supplement companies started making butyrate pills. Usually sodium butyrate.

The problem? Sodium butyrate gets absorbed almost immediately in your stomach and upper small intestine. By the time it could reach your colon (you know, where it’s actually needed), there’s barely anything left.

It’s like ordering a pizza for your colon and having it eaten by your stomach on the way there.

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Tributyrin: Why This Butyrate Supplement Actually Works (When Others Don’t)

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Tributyrin is chemically different from sodium butyrate, and that difference is everything.

Instead of being a simple salt, tributyrin is a triglyceride—three butyrate molecules attached to a glycerol backbone.

This structure acts like a protective vehicle that shepherds butyrate through your digestive system intact.

Here’s what happens when you take tributyrin:

1. It passes through your stomach relatively unscathed (unlike sodium butyrate)
2. In your small intestine, pancreatic lipase gradually breaks it down
3. Butyrate releases slowly along the entire length of your intestines
4. It actually reaches your colon—delivering fuel exactly where it’s needed most

Think of tributyrin as the smart delivery system butyrate always needed but never had.

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Why Tributyrin Is a Game-Changer for Gut Health

The research on tributyrin is genuinely impressive.

Here’s what studies show it can do:

Strengthens Your Gut Barrier: Tributyrin increases tight junction proteins (like ZO-1 and Occludin) that keep your gut lining sealed. This is huge for leaky gut. (source)

Boosts Protective Mucus: It significantly increases goblet cells, which produce the mucus layer that protects your intestinal lining. (MUC2)

Reduces Inflammation: Tributyrin helps lower inflammatory markers like IL-1β and TNF-α that drive gut inflammation. (source)

Feeds Good Bacteria: Clinical studies show tributyrin boosts beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Anaerostipes—creating a positive feedback loop. (source)

Supports Colonocyte Health: By providing sustained energy to colon cells, tributyrin helps them function, regenerate, and thrive (i.e. the 70% of energy requirements of healthy colonocytes already discussed).

Improves Gut-Brain Communication: Emerging research suggests tributyrin may support the gut-brain axis and even cognitive function. (source)

And it doesn’t smell like death. Unlike sodium butyrate (which smells like rancid butter meets vomit), tributyrin is nearly odorless. This alone makes it infinitely more tolerable. (source)

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What Makes an Excellent Tributyrin Supplement? The Label Checklist

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Not all tributyrin supplements are created equal.

Here’s what to look for:

✓ CoreBiome® Tributyrin

This is non-negotiable. CoreBiome® is the only tributyrin with clinical studies proving it reaches and is bioavailable in the colon. It’s patent-pending and has regulatory compliance. If it doesn’t say CoreBiome®, you’re guessing whether it actually works.

✓ Adequate Dosage

Clinical studies use doses ranging from 200mg to 4,000mg daily. Most effective supplements contain 300-350mg per softgel. Look for at least 300mg of tributyrin (as CoreBiome®) per serving.

✓ Oil-Based Delivery System

The best tributyrin supplements use an oil-based emulsion (like MCT oil and sunflower oil) for enhanced stability and absorption. This protects tributyrin from breaking down too early and ensures better delivery to the lower GI tract.

✓ Phosphatidylcholine

Some formulas include phosphatidylcholine (from sunflower lecithin), which supports cell membrane health and may enhance absorption.

✓ Clean Ingredients

Look for softgels (not capsules for this one—oil-based delivery works better). Avoid unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives.

✓ Third-Party Testing

Quality matters. Choose brands that third-party test for purity and potency.

✓ Proper Storage Recommendations

Tributyrin should be stored at room temperature away from heat and light. If the label doesn’t mention storage, that’s a red flag.

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The Top 3 Tributyrin Supplements (That Actually Meet the Standards)

I’ve done the research so you don’t have to.

Here are the three tributyrin supplements that check all the boxes:

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1. Tributyrin 350™ Active by Apex Energetics [Best Overall]

Tributyrin Content: 350mg CoreBiome® per softgel

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Highest dose of tributyrin in a single softgel (350mg)
• Oil-based delivery system using MCT and sunflower oils for enhanced stability
• Includes 40mg phosphatidylcholine from sunflower lecithin
• Prepared as an emulsion for optimal delivery to both proximal and distal GI tract
• 3-4x more potent than sodium butyrate
• Professional-grade formulation
• 31,500mg total tributyrin per bottle (90 softgels)

Other Ingredients: Softgel (bovine gelatin, glycerin, purified water, annatto), medium chain triglycerides, yellow beeswax.

Why I Love It: This is the most comprehensive formula available. The higher dose means you can take just one softgel daily (or two for therapeutic use) and actually see results. The oil-based emulsion with phosphatidylcholine is next-level smart formulation.

Best For: People serious about gut healing, those with significant digestive issues, anyone wanting the most potent and well-formulated option

Dosing: 1-2 softgels daily with meals

Price Point: Premium ($60-70 for 90 softgels, less than $50 when you get it through my Fullscript Online Dispensary)

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2. Peak Performance CoreBiome Tributyrin [Best for Simplicity & Sensitive Systems]

Tributyrin Content: 300mg CoreBiome® per capsule (55% extract)

What Makes It Special:

• Ultra-clean formula—literally just tributyrin in a vegan capsule
• No additional oils or ingredients (perfect for those with multiple sensitivities)
• Clinically-tested CoreBiome® formulation
• Third-party tested for purity
• Vegan capsules
• Great starting dose for beginners

Other Ingredients: Rice Bran and Vegan Capsule (cellulose and water).

Why I Recommend It: Sometimes simple is better. This is pure tributyrin without any extras, making it ideal for people with food sensitivities or those who prefer minimalist supplements. It’s also a perfect entry point if you’re new to butyrate supplementation.

Best For: Beginners, people with multiple food sensitivities, those who prefer straightforward supplements without added ingredients

Dosing: 1 capsule daily, can increase to 2-3 as needed

Price Point: Mid-range ($30-35 for 30 capsules)

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3. Designs for Health Tri-Butyrin Supreme [Best Practitioner-Grade]

Tributyrin Content: 300mg CoreBiome® per softgel

What Sets It Apart:

• #1 supplement brand recommended by functional medicine professionals
• Odor-minimizing technology in the softgel
• Contains black cumin seed oil (additional anti-inflammatory benefits)
• MCT oil base for enhanced absorption
• Professional-grade quality control and testing
• Trusted by thousands of practitioners
• Gluten-free, no artificial preservatives

Why Practitioners Love It: Designs for Health has built their reputation on quality and consistency. When you’re working with a functional medicine practitioner, this is often their go-to recommendation—and for good reason.

Best For: Anyone working with a functional medicine practitioner, those who want practitioner-grade quality, people who value established reputation and quality control

Dosing: 1 softgel daily, or as directed by your healthcare provider

Price Point: Premium ($50-55 for 60 softgels)

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Quick Comparison: Which One Is Right for You?

Supplement	Dose	Formula Type	Best For	Price
Tributyrin 350™ Active	350mg	Oil emulsion + phosphatidylcholine	Serious gut healing, highest potency	$$$
Peak Performance	300mg	Pure, vegan capsule	Beginners, sensitivities	$$
Designs for Health	300mg	Softgel with black cumin seed	Practitioner-grade quality	$$$

Start here if:

• You want maximum potency: Tributyrin 350™ Active
• You’re new to butyrate or have sensitivities: Peak Performance
• You’re working with a practitioner: Designs for Health

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How to Take Tributyrin (For Best Results)

Start Low: Begin with 300mg daily and assess tolerance before increasing.

Take With Meals: Tributyrin is a fat, so taking it with food improves absorption and reduces any potential digestive discomfort.

Be Patient: Some people notice improvements within days, but maximum benefits typically show up after 8-12 weeks of consistent use.

Combine Wisely: Tributyrin works best alongside adequate fiber (25-35g daily), prebiotics, and probiotics. It’s a team effort.

Store Properly: Keep at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight.

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The Bottom Line

If you’ve tried sodium butyrate and been disappointed, or you’re looking for a butyrate supplement that actually does what it promises, tributyrin is your answer.

The science is solid. The delivery system works. And your colon will finally get the fuel it’s been desperately missing.

Choose a supplement with CoreBiome®, start with an appropriate dose, and give it at least 8-12 weeks.

If you liked this article, you might also enjoy:

1. 30-Days of Supplements 101
2. Leaky Gut Supplements
3. Psychobiotics [+ 5 other ‘biotics to know]

Xox,

SKH

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have existing health conditions.