Butyric Acid Shows Promise in Fortifying Intestine, Potentially Easing IBS Symptoms
Örebro, Sweden – A new study from Örebro University reveals that butyric acid, a substance produced by bacteria in the gut, can demonstrably strengthen the colon and reduce intestinal permeability – a key factor in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The findings,published in Gut Microbes,offer a potential pathway toward more effective treatments for the debilitating gastrointestinal condition.
IBS affects millions worldwide, causing symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and cramping, significantly impacting quality of life. Researchers have long theorized a link between low butyric acid production and the compromised gut barrier often observed in IBS patients, but direct evidence of its impact within the human gut has been limited – until now.
The research team,led by Rebecca Wall,a researcher in microbiology at Örebro University,identified a gap in existing knowledge. “Effects had been shown in cell studies and animal experiments, but the direct impact in the human gut was less explored,” Wall explained in a press release.
To address this, the researchers employed a novel colonoscopy model, using small balloons to isolate a section of the colon. This allowed them to introduce a measured amount of butyric acid and collect tissue samples before and after exposure, observing changes in real-time in both healthy individuals and those diagnosed with IBS.
The results showed that butyric acid increased the colon’s resilience when subjected to stress, notably reducing intestinal permeability specifically in IBS patients.This suggests the substance can bolster the colon’s protective barrier.
“Hopefully, this study will make medical research go further and find a cure for the intestinal disease IBS, which worsens the lives of so many people,” Wall stated. While further research is needed, the study provides compelling evidence that butyric acid could be a promising therapeutic target for IBS.
The study, “Acute effects of butyrate on intestinal permeability in patients with irritable bowel syndrome assessed by a novel colonoscopy research model,” is available in Gut Microbes https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2025.2545414.
Related Research: Dietary treatment more effective than drugs in IBS: https://forskning.se/2024/04/22/kostbehandling-mer-effektivt-an-lakemedel-vid-ibs/
