Calcium butyrate
[CAS# 5743-36-2]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Carboxylic compounds and derivatives
• Name: Calcium butyrate
• Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₄CaO₄
• Molecular Weight: 214.27
• CAS Registry Number: 5743-36-2
• EC Number: 227-265-7
• SMILES: CCCC(=O)[O-].CCCC(=O)[O-].[Ca+2]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Precautionary Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Discovory and Applicatios

Calcium butyrate is the calcium salt of butyric acid with the chemical formula Ca(C4H7O2)2. It has a variety of applications in the fields of animal nutrition, human health, and industrial processes. The discovery of calcium butyrate stems from extensive research on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), specifically butyric acid, which is naturally present in the human intestine as a product of the fermentation of dietary fiber by the gut microbiota. Calcium butyrate is synthesized by neutralizing butyric acid with calcium hydroxide. The process produces a stable, odorless powder that is easier to handle and use than its pungent parent compound butyric acid.

One of the main applications of calcium butyrate is in animal feed. It is widely used as a feed additive for poultry, pigs, and ruminants. Calcium butyrate supports intestinal health by promoting the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria and enhancing intestinal mucosal integrity. It improves nutrient absorption, enhances immune function, and may reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases in livestock, thereby improving overall growth performance and productivity.

In human health, calcium butyrate shows promise in supporting intestinal health and treating a variety of gastrointestinal diseases. It is a prebiotic that stimulates the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and promotes a balanced gut microbiota. Studies have shown that calcium butyrate can help treat conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the gut lining.

Calcium butyrate is also being explored for its potential role in cancer prevention and treatment. Studies have shown that butyrate can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and inhibit their proliferation. Its anti-inflammatory properties further enhance its potential as a tumor therapeutic, especially for colorectal cancer.

Emerging research suggests that calcium butyrate has beneficial effects on metabolic health. It has been associated with improved insulin sensitivity and a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome. By modulating the gut microbiota and reducing systemic inflammation, calcium butyrate can promote overall metabolic function and weight management.

In addition to health and nutrition, calcium butyrate can be used in a variety of industrial processes. It can serve as a precursor for the synthesis of other chemicals and materials. Its stability and ease of handling make it suitable for manufacturing processes that require the incorporation of butyric acid derivatives.

Calcium butyrate is safe when used appropriately. However, as with any chemical, proper handling and storage are essential. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from moisture to maintain its stability. When handling calcium butyrate in an industrial setting, personal protective equipment such as gloves and goggles should be used to prevent skin and eye irritation.