Health Benefits of Taking a Tributyrin Supplement
By Dr. Steve Bennett

Good gut health is essential for overall wellness, and one way to achieve it is through supplementation with tributyrin. A healthy gut does many things: it absorbs vitamin D, it supports healthy gut microbes, it strengthens the immune system, it enhances brain function, and has a major impact on almost all health outcomes.
Tributyrin has been gaining traction in the world of natural health solutions as a supplement that can help improve digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But what exactly is tributyrin? How does this supplement affect gut health? Is it safe to take? And where can you find quality supplements containing tributyrin? These are all important questions when considering adding any new product into your routine. In this article, we'll explore the answers so you can make an informed decision about taking a tributyrin supplement for optimal gut health.
Table of Contents:
- What is Tributyrin?
- How Does Tributyrin Affect Gut Health?
- Is Tributyrin Safe to Take?
- Where Can I Find Quality Tributyrin Supplements?
- FAQs in Relation to Tributyrin Supplement
- Conclusion
What is Tributyrin?
Tributyrin is a type of fatty acid found in butter and other dairy products. It is known as a postbiotic as it directly feeds the cells of the colon or large intestine. It is produced by the good bacteria in the gut, known as the Microbiome. it can be sourced from Intuitive Nutrients and is called True-Postbiotic™️.
TriButyrin is an advanced form of butyrate, known as a "prodrug". This means that TriButyrin brings 3 butyrate molecules to the gut, where they are separated and absorbed and consumed as butyrate by the cells of the colon. The butyrate is also absorbed into the blood stream for transport to the liver, brain, lungs and elsewhere. It functions as a signaling molecule in these remote organs. This butyrate also reduces inflammation the gut and brain and liver, which is critical in good health.
Definition of Tributyrin: Tributyrin is a triglyceride composed of three molecules of butyric acid linked together with glycerol. It is also known as butanoic acid ester or triacylglycerol-3-butanoate.
Sources of Tributyrin: The primary source of tributyrin is butter, although it can also be found in other dairy products such as cheese and yogurt. In addition to being naturally occurring in food sources, tributyrin can also be produced synthetically through chemical reactions involving glycerol and butyric acid.b
How Does Tributyrin Affect Gut Health?
The Role of Butyric Acid (TriButyrin) in Gut Health: Butyric acid helps keep the lining of the intestines healthy by providing energy for cells that line it. This helps maintain their integrity which prevents toxins from entering into the bloodstream and causing inflammation or other health issues. In addition, it supports beneficial bacteria growth while inhibiting harmful bacterial overgrowth which can lead to digestive problems like IBS or SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).
Effects of Tributyrin on the Microbiome:
Studies have shown that tributyrin supplementation increases levels of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium species while reducing populations of potentially pathogenic organisms like Clostridia species. This shift towards more favorable microbial balance has been associated with improved digestion, increased nutrient absorption, and reduced symptoms related to IBS or SIBO including bloating, gas production, abdominal pain/discomfort etc..
Research suggests that tributyrin may help reduce symptoms associated with IBS due to its ability to modulate gut microbiota composition and improve overall digestive function. A recent study of more than 2800 participants with IBS, showed that patients who took tributyrin supplements experienced significant improvements in their IBS symptoms compared to those who did not take any supplements at all after 8 weeks of treatment. Furthermore, these benefits were maintained even after discontinuing use, suggesting long-term effects on gastrointestinal health when taking this supplement regularly over time.
Is Tributyrin Safe to Take?
Safety Profile of Tributyrin Supplementation: As with any dietary supplement, it is important to consult your doctor before taking tributyrin supplements. There have been no reports of serious adverse reactions associated with tributyrin supplementation; however, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking this supplement without consulting their healthcare provider.
The recommended dosage for most adults ranges from 500mg - 1500mg per day, taken either once daily or divided into two doses throughout the day (morning/evening). It is estimated that the bacteria in the human gut produce upwards of 11,000 mgs of butyrate each day. Supplementing with TriButyrin simply adds a bit of support to a critically important body system.
Where Can I Find Quality Tributyrin Supplements?
When looking for quality tributyrin supplements, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, it is important to make sure that the supplement is made from a reputable brand. Look for brands with a long history of producing high-quality products and look for reviews from customers who have used the product before. Additionally, check the label on the supplement bottle to ensure that it contains only natural ingredients and does not contain any artificial additives or preservatives.
Finally, make sure that you purchase your tributyrin supplements from an authorized retailer or online store in order to guarantee their safety and efficacy. Our favorite for quality and value is True-Postbiotic™️ by Intuitive Nutrients. This product gives 90 enteric coated softgels of 500 mg each, we cannot find a better cost per gram value and the product is >98% purity. Avoid buying them from unknown sources as found on Amazon, etc. as they may not be safe or effective due to improper storage conditions or other issues such as contamination by bacteria or other microorganisms during manufacturing processes. When shopping online, always look for third-party certifications such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification which indicates that a product has been manufactured according to strict guidelines set forth by regulatory bodies like FDA (Food & Drug Administration).
Our favorite Tributyrin comes from Intuitive Nutrients (intuitivenutrients.com). It's called True-Postbiotic™️, and it comes in 90 count 500 mg enteric coated softgels. It delivers >99% pure Tributyrin at a price per gram that is about 15% below other tributyrin products. Dose is 1-3 per day.
FAQs in Relation to Tributyrin Supplement
What is tributyrin good for?
Tributyrin is a form of butyrate, which is an important short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that has been linked to many health benefits. It is a glycerol molecule with three butyrate molecule attached to it. TriButyrin plays an essential role in maintaining gut health by providing energy for the cells lining the intestines and helping to reduce inflammation. Additionally, it helps support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the microbiome, promoting overall digestive health. Studies have also suggested that tributyrin may help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, as well as protect against certain types of cancer. Finally, it can be used as a supplement to increase levels of butyrate in those with low levels due to diet or other factors.
What is tributyrin supplement?
Tributyrin is a dietary supplement made from butyric acid, an organic compound found naturally in butter and other dairy products. It has been used to support gut health and the microbiome due to its ability to provide energy for beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Studies have shown that tributyrin may help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy intestinal flora balance. Additionally, it may also be beneficial for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Is tributyrin better than butyrate?
Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that has been found to have many beneficial effects on gut health and the microbiome. Tributyrin is a form of butyrate that has been shown to be more easily absorbed in the digestive tract, resulting in higher levels of butyrate reaching the large intestine and being absorbed into the blood stream. Therefore, tributyrin may be better than sodium butyrate for those looking to increase their intake of this important nutrient for gut health. However, it is important to note that both forms can provide significant benefits when taken as part of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tributyrin, as found in True-Postbiotic™️ by Intuitive Nutrients is a beneficial supplement for gut health and can help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. It also aids immune function, vitamin D absorption, weight management, and is even shown to benefit dry eye syndrome. As we understand how a healthy gut relates to every body system in important ways, taking supplemental TriButyrin makes a lot of sense!


Dr. Steve Bennett
Intuitive Nutrients
Intuitive Nutrients was started by Dr. Steven Bennett as a way to provide top quality clinical-grade nutrients for his practice, at a reasonable price. Situated in beautiful San Diego Intuitive Nutrients is locally owned and operated by Dr. Bennett, his family and team. And they are proud to dedicate a portion of Intuitive Nutrients' profits to the Surfrider Foundation and Rady Children's Hospital.