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Butyrate Production

Meaning

Butyrate Production is the essential biological process wherein specific commensal bacteria within the large intestine anaerobically ferment undigested dietary fiber, yielding butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid. This crucial metabolic product serves as the primary energy source for the colonocytes, the epithelial cells lining the colon. Adequate butyrate is fundamental for maintaining the structural integrity of the intestinal barrier and regulating colonic pH. The robust generation of this metabolite is a key indicator of a healthy, diverse gut microbiome and directly supports gastrointestinal homeostasis.