Oral butyrate supplementation as a supportive therapy in the treatment of anorexia nervosa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.58.72450Keywords
anorexia nervosa, intestinal microbiota, gut-brain axis, dysbiosis, short-chain fatty acids, butyrate, postbioticsAbstract
Background. Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder manifested by extremely low body weight and a disturbed perception of the patient's own body. Genetic predisposition and psychological factors are considered the most important causes. However, it has been suggested that altered intestinal microbiota composition and microbial metabolite profiles may contribute to the pathogenesis or persistence of AN.
Aim. The aim of this review is to present current knowledge on the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the potential of oral butyrate supplementation in the treatment of patients with AN.
Material and methods. We conducted a narrative review by searching the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases up to April 2026 for studies addressing AN, the microbiota, and SCFAs.
Results. The reviewed studies indicate that AN is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis, altered microbial metabolite profiles, and reduced concentrations of SCFAs, particularly butyrate. SCFAs play an important role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, regulating appetite, and supporting gut–brain axis communication. Butyrate contributes to intestinal barrier integrity and promotes anti-inflammatory pathways. Its reduced availability has been associated with impaired intestinal permeability, low-grade systemic inflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance, increased severity of psychiatric symptoms, and disturbances in eating behavior.
Conclusions. Current evidence suggests that AN is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis, reduced levels of SCFAs, and low-grade inflammation, all of which may contribute to disease pathophysiology and psychiatric symptom severity. Due to the recognized involvement of SCFAs in intestinal homeostasis and gut–brain axis signaling, enteral butyrate administration may represent a promising adjunctive therapy in AN. However, because only a limited number of studies have been initiated and no trial results are currently available, further research is needed.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Julia Białas, Alicja Kodura, Milena Mordarska, Joanna Paluchowska, Alicja Piwowarczyk, Jan Łozowski, Przemysław Piątek, Artur Merc, Łukasz Szymański
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