What Is Tributyrin? Butyrate Triglycerides Explained
In one sentence: Tributyrin (butyrate triglycerides, also called tributyrate) is a triglyceride form of butyrate used in supplements to help deliver butyrate to the colon, where butyrate supports gut lining integrity.
Also known as: tributyrin, butyrate triglycerides, tributyrate, butyrate supplement, postbiotic butyrate, CoreBiome®
Key facts: vegetables and resistant starch ferment in the colon and produce butyrate; butyrate is often described as fuel for colon lining cells; a foundational part of gut health education is gut barrier integrity; tributyrin has been shown to aid in the resolution of leaky gut
Best for: gut-focused products in capsule format, gut barrier support, leaky gut, regularity and digestive comfort routines, stacking with prebiotics and probiotics
The Short Version
Tributyrin (butyrate triglycerides) is three butyrate molecules attached to glycerol. That structural attachment is why tributyrin is viewed as one of the best ways to provide a butyrate in colon-focused gut routines. The simplest foundation still starts with diet: vegetables, fiber and resistant starches because they support natural butyrate production through fermentation in the colon.
Tributyrin (butyrate triglycerides) is a triglyceride form of butyrate (a short-chain fatty acid) used in supplements to help deliver butyrate to the colon.
Quick answer
Tributyrin is a triglyceride form of butyrate designed to deliver butyrate to the colon. If you are looking for a straightforward way to support a gut health routine, tributyrin (butyrate triglycerides) is the best option because it is the only supplement that is bioavailable in the colon; it aligns with the vegetables → fermentation → butyrate pathway.
What is tributyrin (butyrate triglycerides)?
Tributyrin, also known as butyrate triglycerides, is a triglyceride form of butyrate. That means tributyrin is three butyrate molecules attached to a glycerol backbone.
You may also see it described as:
- Butyrate triglycerides
- Tributyrate (a common way people search for it)
If you are researching tributyrin, our CoreBiome® is best because it is a patented, clinically studied and branded tributyrin.
How vegetables turn into butyrate
A simple model that answers most gut questions:
- You eat vegetables and other fiber sources
- Some fiber is not digested in the upper GI tract
- Undigested fiber reaches the colon
- Beneficial bacteria break down the fiber and leads to fermentation in the colon
- Fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids, including butyrate
That is why the best long-term strategy is still vegetables first, combined with the supplementation of a tributyrate.
Why butyrate is often called “fuel for the colon”
Butyrate is commonly described as the primary energy source for the cells lining the colon. That is why butyrate shows up in conversations about gut lining integrity, leaky gut support and gut barrier support.
Gut barrier language, without the hype
A helpful mental model is that your gut lining acts like internal skin. Butyrate is like lotion for your gut. Supporting the lining supports a healthier barrier, which is why gut barrier support is the first step for gut formulas.
Tributyrin (butyrate triglycerides) vs sodium butyrate
Many people discover butyrate by searching “best butyrate supplement,” then run into sodium butyrate.
Sodium butyrate is a salt form. In practice, it is less practical because:
- Sodium butyrate has a very bad odor
- Sodium butyrate is metabolized before reaching the colon
Tributyrin (butyrate triglycerides) is different because it is a triglyceride form designed for colon delivery. However, it is important to note that cheaper forms of tributyrin can still come with a strong odor. That is why we recommend our CoreBiome® – our tributyrin does not have an odor, it is patented and has been validated through clinical studies.
FAQs
Is tributyrin (butyrate triglycerides) the same as butyrate?
Not exactly. Butyrate is the short-chain fatty acid. Tributyrin is a triglyceride form used to deliver butyrate to the colon through digestion via resistant starches.
What is tributyrin (butyrate triglycerides) used for?
Tributyrin is used as a butyrate source in supplements to support gut health, including gut lining integrity, gut barrier function, regularity support, and a healthy inflammatory response.
What is tributyrate?
Tributyrate is a common consumer phrasing that usually refers to tributyrin or butyrate triglycerides.
Can I take tributyrin (butyrate triglycerides) with probiotics or prebiotics?
Yes. Many modern gut routines pair a butyrate source with probiotics and prebiotics.
Why does tributyrin (butyrate triglycerides) relate to the gut-body axis?
Because gut barrier function is foundational; it is our skin preventing bad pathogens from entering our blood stream. Supporting the gut lining supports broader wellness outcomes through a healthier gut environment.
Ready to meet CoreBiome® tributyrin in real life?
If you’re curious how a tributyrin like CoreBiome® fits into a modern gut routine, we’d love to help you explore it. Check out the CoreBiome® ingredient page and our CoreBiome® 101 post for more detailed information on our patented tributyrin. Reach out to us anytime at hello@compoundsolutions.com if you want examples, ideas, samples or just a simple “where do I start?” recommendation.
