Kemin Industries develops next-gen butyrate for improved gut health

12 Oct 2023 --- Global ingredient manufacturer Kemin Industries has unveiled a microencapsulated calcium butyrate that provides sustained and controlled release of butyric acid in the gastrointestinal tract. ButiShield has been described as the next-generation support for gut health. 

“Kemin has mastered encapsulation technology with cutting-edge MicroPearls, originally developed to support gut health in animals. We’re elevating the proprietary application to reach a new level in human health, providing a unique solution to the evolving gut health market,” says Chris Sadewasser, global product manager at Kemin Human Nutrition and Health. 

“ButiShield is a new offering for brands looking to reformulate or expand into the digestive health category.”

Kemin operates in 90 countries with manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the US. 

Fortified intestinal shield
ButiShield is an encapsulated form of calcium butyrate for humans that can help fortify overall gut health by supporting the strength and integrity of the intestinal wall. Butyric acid is an extensively researched short-chain fatty acid that supports intestinal and digestive health.

“Our latest innovation delivers well-known butyric acid in a novel way to support a healthy gut, improve the consumer experience and help formulators overcome manufacturing challenges,” Sadewasser explains. 

Generally, butyrate products have many formulation and operational challenges due to its unpleasant odor and complex handling. Kemin’s proprietary MicroPearls spray freezing technology that encapsulates the butyric acid creates a controlled release along the gastrointestinal tract that allows easier handling and neutralizes odor.ButiShield regulates metabolic processes and serves as an energy source for intestinal cells.

Meanwhile, Kemin Industries was issued a positive opinion on its algae-based immunity and gut-supporting postbiotic ingredient, BetaVia Pure, by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in June. The ESFA also granted Kemin exclusivity in the market, which means the ingredient can be used throughout the EU for five years.

Regulates metabolic processes
ButiShield is a low-odor, non-GMO, allergen-free, gluten-free, kosher, halal and vegetarian ingredient solution containing more than 35% butyric acid.

The product helps shape a healthy microbiome environment and serves as a signaling molecule that regulates metabolic processes at a cellular level. It also operates as the primary energy source for healthy intestinal cells and supports its barrier integrity.

Last month, the European Patent Office granted Kemin Industries a patent for its neural health product, Neumentix. The patent extends Kemin’s intellectual property protection and has been validated in multiple member countries, including Spain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK.

In addition, recent clinical and pre-clinical studies suggest that MicrobiomeX, a blend of Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) and Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) extracts, could support gut microbiota in individuals with metabolic syndrome. 

By Inga de Jong