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Butyrate Fuel Utilization

Meaning

Butyrate fuel utilization describes the essential metabolic process by which colonocytes, the epithelial cells lining the colon, preferentially consume the short-chain fatty acid butyrate as their primary energy source. This efficient utilization is critical for maintaining the structural integrity and optimal function of the intestinal barrier, a key component of systemic health. Adequate butyrate availability and subsequent utilization are vital for reducing localized inflammation and supporting the gut-endocrine axis. This process is a direct reflection of a healthy, functional gut microbiome.