Butyrate Supplement: How to Take It, Dosage, and Timing (BodyBio Butyrate)

By Dr. Ryan Kneessi, ND

Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that gut bacteria make when they ferment dietary fiber. It is the main fuel source for the cells that line the colon, which is why it gets so much attention in gut health conversations. As a supplement, the most common questions are how much to take, when to take it, whether to take it with food, and which form to choose. This page summarizes the official BodyBio directions for BodyBio Butyrate, how people often fit it into the day, common pairing questions, and who should check with a provider first. It is educational information only. For background, see Short-chain fatty acids and the gut-brain link and Gut barrier and microbiome support.

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What is in BodyBio Butyrate

According to the BodyBio product page, a serving is 2 capsules, and each serving provides 1,200 mg of butyric acid. Each capsule is about 23 mm long. BodyBio offers two forms, and both deliver the same amount of butyric acid per serving.

• Sodium Butyrate: butyric acid bound to sodium, with 313 mg of sodium per 2-capsule serving. BodyBio calls this its original formula and the most researched form. Other ingredients are sodium hydroxide, MCT oil, purified water, and a hypromellose capsule.
• Calcium/Magnesium Butyrate: butyric acid bound to calcium and magnesium, with 160 mg of calcium and 80 mg of magnesium per 2-capsule serving. BodyBio offers it for people who want to avoid extra sodium. Other ingredients are calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, MCT oil, purified water, and a hypromellose capsule.

BodyBio notes that the MCT oil in the capsules comes from palm, palm kernel, and/or coconut oil. Butyrate also has a strong, distinctive smell, which is normal for this ingredient.

Both forms are listed in the Fullscript catalog as Sodium Butyrate Postbiotic and Calcium/Magnesium Butyrate.

How much butyrate per day? The label dose

The BodyBio directions say to take 1 to 2 capsules with food, unless your healthcare professional directs otherwise. One capsule provides about 600 mg of butyric acid, and two capsules provide 1,200 mg.

BodyBio also suggests that people starting a butyrate supplement begin with one to two capsules daily to let the system adjust. Starting with one capsule for the first several days and then moving to two is a common, simple approach.

For context, a 2020 literature review noted that many butyrate products studied in Europe use 150 to 300 mg of butyric acid per day, and its authors argued that higher amounts deserve more study (Banasiewicz 2020). The BodyBio label dose is higher than that range, so it is worth reviewing with your provider. Always follow the label on the bottle you have, since labels can change.

When to take butyrate, and with or without food

BodyBio directs taking the capsules with food. On timing, BodyBio says butyrate can be taken at any time of day. Some people prefer it in the evening, and others prefer it in the morning, so the best choice is the time you will remember.

If you take two capsules, you can take both with one meal or split them between two meals. Splitting the dose is a simple change to try if one larger dose doesn’t sit well with you.

Because the capsules are fairly large, taking them with a full glass of water during a meal can make them easier to swallow.

Sodium or calcium/magnesium: which form?

BodyBio recommends the sodium form for most people. The calcium/magnesium form is the usual choice for people who limit sodium, such as those following a low-sodium eating plan or watching blood pressure.

If you choose the calcium/magnesium form, count its 160 mg of calcium and 80 mg of magnesium per serving toward any other calcium or magnesium supplements you take. See Magnesium glycinate vs citrate, oxide, and threonate for more on magnesium forms.

Can I take butyrate with other things?

These are the pairing questions people search most. The answers below are general, so please check with your own provider, especially if you take medications.

Probiotics and butyrate are often taken together. BodyBio describes butyrate as a postbiotic, which is a compound bacteria produce, rather than a probiotic, which is live bacteria. There is no known label conflict between them. See The best time to take probiotics and MegaSporeBiotic dosage and ramp-up.

Fiber and prebiotics are the foods gut bacteria ferment into butyrate, so many people use both: fiber to feed the bacteria and a butyrate capsule as a direct source. There is no known label conflict. See Fiber supplements: how to take them and Sunfiber: how to take it.

L-glutamine is another nutrient often used in gut-lining support routines, and there is no known conflict with butyrate. See L-glutamine for gut health: dosage.

Magnesium and calcium supplements can be taken with the sodium form without any known conflict. With the calcium/magnesium form, add its minerals to your daily total so you know how much you are getting.

Prescription medications are the most important question. The BodyBio label does not list drug interactions, but published human data on butyrate supplements are limited. If you take any prescription, especially for blood pressure or a digestive condition, ask your prescriber or pharmacist before adding butyrate.

Cautions and who should check with a provider

BodyBio advises talking with your healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant or nursing, and to keep the bottle out of the reach of children.

The sodium form adds 313 mg of sodium per 2-capsule serving. If you have high blood pressure, heart or kidney concerns, or have been told to limit sodium, ask your provider whether the calcium/magnesium form is a better fit.

Some people notice digestive changes such as gas or looser stools when starting. Starting with one capsule and taking it with food are simple ways to ease in. Stop using it and contact your provider if you notice a negative reaction, and bring the bottle to your next visit so your provider can review it with your full list.

What the research says

Most of what is known about butyrate comes from laboratory, animal, and short human studies, and none of the studies below used BodyBio Butyrate. Several used a microencapsulated form designed to release in the colon, which is different from a standard capsule.

Review articles describe butyrate as a major energy source for the cells lining the colon and as part of normal colon function, while noting that human data are still limited and more human studies are needed (Hamer 2008, Canani 2011).

In a randomized trial of 66 adults with irritable bowel syndrome who stayed on their usual care, the group taking microencapsulated sodium butyrate reported less frequent pain during bowel movements, but overall symptom severity did not differ significantly from placebo (Banasiewicz 2013).

In a small placebo-controlled pilot study of adults with inflammatory bowel disease, two months of microencapsulated sodium butyrate was linked with changes in gut bacteria, including more bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. The authors said the clinical meaning of this needs more study (Facchin 2020). For more on the gut lining, see Leaky gut: what intestinal permeability means and Colon comfort and lining support.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Short-chain fatty acids and the gut-brain link
• Gut barrier and microbiome support
• Leaky gut: what intestinal permeability means
• Colon comfort and lining support
• Fiber supplements: how to take them
• Sunfiber: how to take it
• The best time to take probiotics
• MegaSporeBiotic dosage and ramp-up
• L-glutamine for gut health: dosage
• Magnesium glycinate vs citrate, oxide, and threonate

Sources

1. BodyBio. Butyrate: product page, supplement facts, suggested use, and FAQ.
2. Hamer HM, et al. Review article: the role of butyrate on colonic function. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2008. PubMed 17973645
3. Canani RB, et al. Potential beneficial effects of butyrate in intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. World J Gastroenterol. 2011. PubMed 21472114
4. Banasiewicz T, et al. Microencapsulated sodium butyrate reduces the frequency of abdominal pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Colorectal Dis. 2013. PubMed 22738315
5. Facchin S, et al. Microbiota changes induced by microencapsulated sodium butyrate in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2020. PubMed 32476236
6. Banasiewicz T, et al. Determination of butyric acid dosage based on clinical and experimental studies: a literature review. Prz Gastroenterol. 2020. PubMed 32550943

Talk with your own doctor or healthcare provider about the right dose for you before starting any supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or take medications.

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This page shares general educational information and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition. Product labels can change, so always follow the label on the bottle you have.