butanoate

Butyrate (also known as butanoate) is the traditional name for the conjugate base of butyric acid (also known as butanoic acid). The formula of the butyrate ion is C4H7O2−. The name is used as part of the name of esters and salts of butyric acid, a short chain fatty acid. Examples include; Butyrates are important as food for cells lining the mammalian colon (colonocytes). Without butyrates for energy, colon cells undergo autophagy (self digestion) and die. Short-chain fatty acids, which include butyrate, are produced by beneficial colonic bacteria (probiotics) that feed on, or ferment prebiotics, which are plant products that contain adequate amounts of dietary fiber. These short-chain fatty acids benefit the colonocytes (cells of the colon) by increasing energy production and cell proliferation, and may protect against colon cancer.