• Butyric acid is the primary energy source of the colonic epithelium
• Butyric acid regulates cell turnover in the colonic epithelium and is associated with lower mutagenic capacity
• Magnesium and calcium forms of butyrate are poorly absorbed in the small intestine but are available for large intestine absorption

Serving Size:  1 capsule
Servings Per Container:  90
Amount Per Serving: Calcium.......81mg
(as calcium butyrate) Magnesium.......41mg
(as magnesium butyrate) Total butyric acid.......630mg

Other Ingredients:
Cellulose, silica, glycerol.
Capsule: cellulose & water.

Recommended Use:
One capsule to be taken three times per day with meals or as Professionally directed.

Note: This product has a strong, sour smell which is completely normal.

Contra-indications:
Do not use during pregnancy or if pregnancy is being planned.

Keep out of reach of children.

Read Customer questions and answers about Digestive Health in our FAQ.

Butyric acid is one of the most important metabolites in the gastro-intestinal tract. Its functions include:

• Butyric acid is the major energy source (60%) for the epithelial cells of the colon (colonocytes).
• Butyrate regulates colonic cell turnover, stimulates apoptosis and orchestrates differentiation of colonic epithelial cells.

Butyric acid is produced along with propionic and acetic acids by the large intestinal microflora from the fermentation of complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber. The dependency of butyrate production on the normal gut microflora means that when the flora is imbalanced, depression of butyrate production is often the result. The most common cause of this is the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can dramatically decrease the number of butyrate-producing organisms. This can have the effect of starving the colonocyte cells of nutrients and, if this happens, they begin to atrophy and wither. This subsequently results in the tight junction between the colonocytes becoming loose which in turn is a classic example of leaky or
permeable gut.

The best ways to increase butyrate production in the gut are to increase consumption of soluble fiber such as fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and increase intake of resistant starches, which are a component of most vegetables.

An alternative is to take butyric acid salts such as calcium and magnesium butyrate. In this form, they largely resist absorption in the small intestine but are available for absorption by colonocytes in the colon.

Pharmax Butyrate Complex is recommended for anyone with symptoms of permeable gut, and also is recommended for people who have taken an extended course of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Additionally, Butyrate Complex would be advisable for individuals receiving colonic irrigation therapy.