Sodium butyrate

In the lab, sodium butyrate is usually found as a white, water-soluble, crystalline solid. The chemical is notable for having a very strong, unpleasant smell that lingers. When working with sodium butyrate, gloves, eye protection and respiratory masks are advised for safety purposes.

The compound is found in human diet, notably produced in large amounts from dietary fiber in the gut and present in Parmesan cheese and butter. Nevertheless, the most common source of sodium butyrate in the gut is from consumption of legumes.