I. Production and Melting Points
Sodium butyrate is produced through an acid-base reaction and forms a salt with a relatively high melting point.
Tributyrin is formed through esterification where three molecules of butyric acid are attached to a glycerol molecule. It has a relatively low melting point.
II. Properties and Composition
Tributyrin is a triglyceride containing three butyrate moieties esterified with glycerol. It is a liquid that can be orally administered and releases butyric acid when metabolized by pancreatic and possibly other lipases. It is a component of various foodstuffs, especially dairy products like butter.
The following are the application areas of the products:
III. Functional and Therapeutic Aspects
Tributyrin is functionally related to butyric acid.
It has been used in trials for the treatment of prostate cancer and unspecified adult solid tumors.
Tributyrin is a butyric acid precursor and plays a key role in anti-inflammatory and intestinal barrier repair effects by slowly releasing butyric acid.
As a stable and rapidly absorbed prodrug of butyric acid, it enhances the antiproliferative effects of dihydroxycholecalciferol in human colon cancer cells.
The following are the application areas of the products:
IV. Comparison of Butyrate and Tributyrin
Chemical Structure
Butyrate is also known as butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid with the chemical formula CH₃CH₂CH₂COOH.
Tributyrin is a triglyceride composed of three molecules of butyric acid esterified with glycerol with the chemical formula C₁₅H₂₆O₆.
Physical Properties
At room temperature, butyric acid is a liquid with a pungent odor.
Tributyrin is also a liquid but has a milder odor compared to butyric acid. Due to its triglyceride structure, it is more hydrophobic.
Bioavailability and Absorption
Butyric acid can be absorbed directly in the intestine to some extent but its absorption may be limited due to its acidic nature and potential degradation before absorption.
Tributyrin, as a prodrug, is more stable and can be hydrolyzed in the body to release butyric acid gradually, resulting in better bioavailability and more sustained effects.
Applications
Butyric acid has potential health benefits related to gut health and can be used as a supplement or in certain medical applications.
Tributyrin is also used for potential health benefits, especially in supporting gut health and as an ingredient in some nutritional supplements. It also has applications in the food industry and microbiological laboratories.
Side Effects
High doses of butyric acid may cause gastrointestinal discomfort like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.
Tributyrin may have side effects such as nausea and headache, but they may be less common or less severe compared to high doses of butyric acid. More research is needed to fully understand its side effect profile.
V. Potential Replacements
It has been reported that other glycerides such as triolein and trilinolein may be used in place of tributyrin.
If you want to know more, feel free to click on the image above!