Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are small molecules produced by intestinal flora fermentation. Numerous studies have shown that SCFAs play an anti-inflammatory and intestinal barrier repair role in the gut. Also, the benefits of most intestinal beneficial bacteria are mediated by SCFAs. When the gut microbiota disorders, SCFAs, particularly butyric acid, decrease. Butyric acid is one of the principal sources of energy for gut microbiota. Many in vivo and in vitro experiments have shown that butyrate plays a significant role in the gut, such as regulating immune and inflammatory responses and repairing intestinal barriers. 

Tributyrin (TB) is a butyric acid precursor and has a key role in anti-inflammatory and intestinal barrier repair effects by slowly releasing butyric acid. It can restore the dysbiosis of gut microbiota, increase SCFAs, suppress inflammation, and ameliorate antibiotic-induced intestinal damage, indicating that tributyrin might be a potential gut microbiota modulator.