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Tributyrin Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Moderate
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • Mild GI discomfort during initial use (bloating, gas)
  • Loose stools at higher doses
  • Unpleasant taste or burping with sodium butyrate forms (less common with tributyrin)
  • Rare: headache or nausea

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • No significant drug interactions reported for tributyrin at standard doses
  • May enhance effects of anti-inflammatory medications in the GI tract
  • Theoretical interaction with HDAC inhibitor drugs used in oncology — consult physician if on cancer treatment

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: 1500mg/day (higher doses not well-studied)

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References

  1. ReviewCanani RB, Costanzo MD, Leone L, Pedata M, Meli R, Calignano A (2011). Potential beneficial effects of butyrate in intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. World Journal of Gastroenterology. DOI PubMed
  2. ReviewLiu H, Wang J, He T, Becker S, Zhang G, Li D, Ma X (2018). Butyrate: A Double-Edged Sword for Health?. Advances in Nutrition. DOI PubMed
  3. ObservationalDonohoe DR, Garge N, Zhang X, Sun W, O'Connell TM, Bunger MK, Bultman SJ (2011). The microbiome and butyrate regulate energy metabolism and autophagy in the mammalian colon. Cell Metabolism. DOI PubMed
  4. RCTCoelho FA, Mezzina ALB, de Oliveira ACR, Alves LKS, et al. (2025). Supplementation with Tributyrin for Gestating Sows Reduces Stillborn Rate and Increases Litter Birth Weight.. Veterinary sciences. DOI PubMed
  5. RCTDang X, Lee H, Lee SJ, Song JH, et al. (2023). Tributyrin and anise mixture supplementation improves growth performance, nutrient digestibility, jejunal villus height, and fecal microbiota in weaned pigs.. Frontiers in veterinary science. DOI PubMed
  6. RCTvan Deuren T, Smolders L, Hartog A, Bouwman FG, et al. (2022). Butyrate and hexanoate-enriched triglycerides increase postprandrial systemic butyrate and hexanoate in men with overweight/obesity: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized crossover trial.. Frontiers in nutrition. DOI PubMed
  7. RCTPearce CB, Sadek SA, Walters AM, Goggin PM, et al. (2006). A double-blind, randomised, controlled trial to study the effects of an enteral feed supplemented with glutamine, arginine, and omega-3 fatty acid in predicted acute severe pancreatitis.. JOP : Journal of the pancreas. PubMed