Butyrate is naturally formed in the colon and is tremendously beneficial in promoting gut health. It is also, however, rapidly metabolized in the colon. Therefore, it is difficult to maintain therapeutically effective concentrations of the compound in the body. Tributyrin, a prodrug of natural butyrate, is much more chemically stable but it bears an unpleasant odor and flavor.

This invention provides a dehydrated inclusion complex of tributyrin with ë_-cyclodextrin that masks the unpleasant odor and flavor of tributyrin. This material may be easily incorporated into food or taken as a supplement.