Why do you have Sodium Hydroxide in Butyrate?Updated a year ago

Butyric acid inherently has a low pH of 2.9, which means it is highly acidic. Consuming it in this form could lead to significant discomfort in the stomach, which already has a naturally acidic environment. To buffer the acidity of butyric acid, the FDA recommends the use of food-grade sodium hydroxide, a substance that is also utilized in the making of pretzels, processing of grains, and dough conditioning. Sodium hydroxide has a high pH of around 13.0, and when combined with butyric acid, it helps to neutralize its acidity. This results in a final product with a pH of approximately 7.9, which is much gentler on the stomach. The use of sodium hydroxide in this manner is deemed safe and is critical for ensuring the comfort and well-being of individuals consuming butyric acid supplements.