NEWBIOME

The homeostasis and health of the intestine depend on the balance between probiotics, the supply of prebiotics (fiber) and postbiotics (the product of probiotic fermentation).

The recommended intake of 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day can hardly be achieved through food alone. It is therefore interesting to combine fiber-rich foods (such as dark greens and cereals) with purified fibers, promoting intestinal modulation through the production of short-chain fatty acids such as propionate, acetate and butyrate.

Butyrate, in particular, acts as an energy source for intestinal cells, as well as performing other functions in the body. However, the endogenous formation of butyrate may not be efficient, as it depends on different factors, such as the amount of fiber obtained from the diet, the health of the intestine and the diversity of the microbiota. In addition, the administration of butyrate alone is not interesting due to its intense odor, short shelf life, instability and the occurrence of adverse effects such as headache and nausea.

For this reason, tributyrin is an interesting alternative, as it releases 3 molecules of butyrate after metabolization and is therefore an available and efficient source of this postbiotic, as well as not causing these side effects.