Butyric acid (CED0001166)

Butyric acid (C4H8O2) is an endogenous liquid with an average molecular weight of 88.11 g/mol. Butyric acid belongs to the fatty acids and conjugates, a subclass of fatty acyls within the organic compounds. This compound is detected in various tissues, including the intestine, large intestine, kidney, muscle, neuron, prostate, and fibroblasts. It interacts with ten recorded protein targets, including cholinesterase (BCHE), histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), and histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4). Regarding health effects, butyric acid is associated with a decrease in inflammation (PMC11643819) and has a therapeutic effect on inflammation (PMC8145417). Industrially, butyric acid is utilized as a pH regulating agent, deodorizer, fragrance, and flavouring and nutrient. It also serves as an antioxidant in both biological and industrial contexts (PMC10778838). The compound is used in low-density polyethylene and high-density polyethylene plastics, and it is released from poly(methyl methacrylate), ethylene-vinyl acetate, and polypropylene. Its presence in ethylene vinyl alcohol remains inconclusive. Butyric acid is found in 46 recorded sources, including food contact materials, fermentation processes for beer, food preservation, and the preparation of malt, as well as household cleaning and consumer products such as bleaching agents, perfumes within detergents and soaps, and smoking requisites. It is also found in building and construction materials, including floors, ceilings, stairs, and ramps, and in electrical and electronic equipment such as communication cables, antennas, and conductive bodies. Recorded exposure routes include oral, inhalation, and touch.