Tributyrin (or butyrin, or tri-butyrate) is a triglyceride of the short-chain fatty acid called butyrate (sometimes called butyric acid or butanoic acid). Butyrin makes up 3 to 4% of the butter. Short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate and butyrate) are produced in the intestine during the digestion of fibre and carbohydrates.
Glycerol tributyrate is a triglyceride that may inhibit cell growth and induce cell differentiation. It is used to to induce differentiation of malignant cells followed by arrest of cell growth and apoptosis.
