Tributyrin
Tributyrin Manufacturer | The Stable Short-Chain Fatty Acid Source (CAS: 60-01-5) Headline: Tributyrin Liquid & Powder Manufacturer | Advanced Gut Health Support (CAS: 60-01-5) Sub-info: Assay ≥ 99.0% (Liquid) / 50% (Microencapsulated Powder) | Efficient Butyrate Delivery | Food & Feed Grade. USP: • Bypasses the Stomach: Delivers Butyric Acid directly to the hindgut/colon. • Odorless Solution: Solves the unpleasant smell issue of traditional butyric acid. • High Potency: 1 molecule of Tributyrin yields 3 molecules of Butyric Acid.
Introduction

Tributyrin (Glyceryl Tributyrate) is a triglyceride containing three molecules of butyric acid esterified to glycerol. It serves as a potent, stable prodrug of Butyric Acid—a critical Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) that fuels colonocytes and maintains intestinal barrier integrity.
Unlike free butyric acid, which is volatile and has a pungent, offensive odor, Tributyrin is relatively odorless and stable through the stomach. It is released by pancreatic lipases only when it reaches the small intestine and colon, making it the most effective delivery system for butyrate in Dietary Supplements (IBS/Gut Health) and Premium Animal Nutrition.
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Functions
1.Intestinal Mucosa Repair
Butyric acid released from Tributyrin is the primary energy source for epithelial cells lining the colon. It promotes the proliferation of healthy villi and repairs damaged mucosal barriers (Leaky Gut).
2.Anti-Inflammatory Action
It inhibits the NF-κB pathway, significantly reducing intestinal inflammation. This makes it a key ingredient for formulations targeting inflammatory bowel issues (IBD/IBS).
3.Microbiome Modulation
Tributyrin helps regulate the luminal pH in the gut, suppressing the growth of harmful pathogens (like E. coli and Salmonella) while promoting beneficial Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species.

Applications
1.Human Dietary Supplements (Gut Health)
• Target: IBS relief, Post-antibiotic recovery, General Gut Health.
• Form: Softgels (using 99% Liquid) or Capsules/Sachets (using 50% Powder).
• Advantage: No "rancid butter" smell; high consumer compliance.
2.Medical Foods
• Target: Clinical nutrition for patients with compromised gut function.
• Advantage: Provides rapid energy to colon cells without spiking blood sugar.
3.Animal Nutrition (Feed Additive)
• Target: Swine, Poultry, and Aquaculture.
• Advantage: Improves Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), promotes villus growth, and serves as a non-antibiotic growth promoter (AGP alternative).

Flow Chart
Esterification & Purification Process
1.Reaction: Esterification of Glycerol with Butyric Acid under catalyst.
2.Separation: Removal of unreacted Butyric Acid (Critical for odor control).
3.Neutralization & Washing: Eliminating acidic residues.
4.Distillation: Vacuum distillation to achieve 99%+ purity.
5.Microencapsulation (For Powder Grade): Spray cooling with silica or hydrogenated vegetable oil carrier.
6.QC Testing: GC Assay & Residual Acid check.
7.Packaging: 200kg Drums (Liquid) or 25kg Bags (Powder).
Quality Standard of Lactoferrin
Product: Tributyrin 99% (Food Grade Liquid)
| Item | Specification | Result |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid | Conforms |
| Assay (GC) | ≥ 99.0% | 99.5% |
| Acid Value | ≤ 1.0 mg KOH/g | 0.4 mg KOH/g |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.2% | 0.05% |
| Refractive Index (20°C) | 1.430 ~ 1.440 | 1.435 |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤ 5.0 ppm | Conforms |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 2.0 ppm | Conforms |
| Odor | Characteristic, slight fatty odor (Non-rancid) | Conforms |
Method of Analysis of Lactoferrin
Gas Chromatography (GC)
• Why GC? We use Gas Chromatography to accurately separate Tributyrin from mono- and di-butyrins and free butyric acid. This ensures you receive a fully esterified, high-energy product with minimal free acid content (which causes smell).
Reference Chromatogram of Lactoferrin Reference Substance
(Visual Placeholder: GC Chromatogram)
The chromatogram shows a dominant single peak for Tributyrin (Retention time ~15 min), with negligible peaks for free Butyric Acid, confirming our low-odor guarantee.
Stability and Safety
Stability Studies
• Liquid Stability: Excellent. Stable for 24 months at room temperature in sealed drums.
• Powder Stability: Our 50% Microencapsulated powder is stable for 18 months.
• pH Stability: Unlike butyrate salts (Sodium Butyrate) which dissolve in the stomach, Tributyrin is stable in gastric acid (pH 2-3) and only degrades in the presence of lipase in the intestine.
Safety & Handling (MSDS Summary)
• Classification: Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for food use.
• Handling: Wear gloves and goggles. Although less pungent than butyric acid, spills can still have a distinct fatty smell. Clean with alkaline detergent.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep container tightly closed.
Customer Comments
Product Manager, Supplement Brand (USA)
2026.02.26
★★★★☆
Sourcing Director, Contract Manufacturer (South Korea)
2026.02.26
★★★★☆
Our Certificates
Our Clients
Exhibitions
• SupplySide West (Las Vegas)
• Vitafoods Europe (Geneva)
• VIV Asia / EuroTier (For Animal Nutrition)
CPHI & PMEC China 2025
CAC 24th
CAC Shanghai
CPHI & PMEC 2024
CPHI & PMEC China Shanghai
CPHI 2025
CPHI 2024
CPHI 2023
FIC 2022
FIC 2023
FIC Shanghai
FIC2024
CPHI Korea
SupplySideWEST Las Vegas
SupplySideWEST 2023
Vitafoods Europe Switzerland
Wagri Guangzhou
In-Cosmetics Global
SupplySide West (Las Vegas)
SupplySide West (Las Vegas)
Vitafoods Europe (Geneva)
CPhI Worldwide
FAQ
What is the main difference between Tributyrin and Sodium Butyrate?
Sodium Butyrate has a strong, unpleasant cheese-like odor and is released quickly in the stomach (often requiring enteric coating). Tributyrin is chemically stable, passes through the stomach intact, and releases butyric acid directly in the intestine. It is much more potent (1g Tributyrin ≈ 0.87g Butyric Acid).
Can I use the liquid form for powder blends?
The 99% Liquid is oily and best for Softgels or liquid formulations. For powder blends (capsules/sachets), we recommend our 50% or 60% Tributyrin Powder (Microencapsulated on Silica carrier) for better flowability.
Is there any smell?
While Free Butyric Acid smells terrible (like vomit), pure Tributyrin has a very faint, slightly fatty/bitter smell. It is widely accepted in the industry as "odorless" compared to the alternative.
References
1.Gaschott, T., et al. (2001). Tributyrin, a stable and rapidly absorbed prodrug of butyric acid. Biochemical Pharmacology.
2.Hamer, H. M., et al. (2008). Review article: the role of butyrate on colonic function. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
3.Bedford, A., & Gong, J. (2018). Implications of butyrate and its derivatives for gut health and animal production. Animal Nutrition.
4.FDA GRAS Notice Inventory: Glyceryl Tributyrate.
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