A long time ago, in a post, I hypothesized about the phenomenon of life expectancy in so-called Blue Zones (for example, the island of Ikaria). I believe the increased life expectancy in those areas is due to the increased levels of butyrate in their diet.
Since then, I still believe in this hypothesis, take supplements containing it, and have studied many of the properties of this substance in the human body. It's worth starting with the fact that butyrate salts are sold as supplements, usually in the sodium form (although magnesium and calcium are also available) .
However, such supplements exert their effects mostly only in the intestines. Salts break down into sodium ions and butyrate itself, which modulates a host of beneficial processes in the intestines (for example, providing energy to intestinal cells and reducing inflammation). Little of this substance enters the bloodstream, meaning the overall effect on the body is weak.
However, the body contains another, natural substance, a derivative of butyric acid — β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) . This substance is a marker of glucose deficiency and is produced in large quantities when the body's cells (especially the brain) are deficient in energy. In other words, this substance is a ketone body . Doctors test the levels of this substance in diabetics. The higher the level, the more glucose the cells are deficient in due to insulin deficiency.
What interests us about this substance is something else: it's also sold in supplements, and when taken, it's fully absorbed into the bloodstream, exerting general effects on the body. And among these effects are some very interesting things:
- Lowering blood pressure.
- Vascular rejuvenation.
- Reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation in neurons.
- Inhibition of inflammasome assembly/function (chronic activation of the inflammasome is one of the main causes of aging).
- Supports athletic endurance.
- Possibly effective in treating acne (dissolves keratin plugs).
All of these properties have been documented in research, one way or another. This supplement is popular among biohackers and other hipsters who worship keto diets. However, I would note that it's specifically prohibited on keto diets and during fasting. However, for those who aren't into bullshit, it may be indicated to reduce inflammation, which increases in everyone with age and is a consequence of aging!
