The effectiveness of microencapsulated sodium butyrate at reducing symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Introduction
The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a patented preparation of sodium butyrate in the triglyceride matrix at reducing clinical symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Material and methods
In this prospective multicenter clinical trial, we observed a total of 3000 non-hospitalized patients with confirmed IBS who were treated with sodium butyrate in a triglyceride matrix at a dosage of 150 mg twice a day for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was to evaluate the efficacy of sodium butyrate at reducing the severity of clinical symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with IBS.

Results
A total of 2990 complete surveys were collected. A statistically significant improvement in severity of abdominal pain was noticed (p < 0.001). Moreover, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, urgent pressure for bowel movements, nausea, and vomiting decreased significantly (p < 0.001). Most of the respondents (93.90%) declared that they would continue the therapy and 88.9% would recommend using sodium butyrate to other IBS patients.

Conclusions
Sodium butyrate in the triglyceride matrix, as a postbiotic substance, may be effective in relieving the symptoms of IBS by modifying the intestinal microbiota.