Health Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Introduction to Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB)
Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body primarily produced in the liver from fatty acids during periods of low carbohydrate intake, fasting, or prolonged exercise. It serves as an alternative energy source when glucose levels are low, playing a crucial role in energy metabolism and various physiological processes. BHB is one of the three main ketone bodies produced during ketosis, the other two being acetoacetate and acetone.
BHB Synthesis and Function
BHB is synthesized in the liver through the oxidation of fatty acids. This process is particularly active during fasting states, ketogenic diets, or intense physical activity, where carbohydrate availability is limited. BHB is a vital energy substrate, especially for the brain, which can derive a significant portion of its energy from ketone bodies during periods of glucose scarcity.
When someone is in ketosis, this means that the body is oxidizing (burning) fat for energy through beta-oxidation and turning it into ketones in the liver. Endogenous ketosis means that the body is producing ketone bodies “on its own” without support from some sort of ketone supplement.
Benefits of BHB
Cardioprotective Properties
Research has shown that BHB has cardioprotective properties. For instance, BHB can mitigate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in cardiac cells, thereby preserving cardiac function. BHB has demonstrated significant cardioprotective properties, particularly in the context of doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity. In a study involving mice, BHB treatment restored cardiac function, reduced fibrosis, and decreased cellular injury and apoptosis. BHB has been shown to protect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting cell apoptosis and oxidative stress, and maintaining mitochondrial membrane integrity.
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Muscle Metabolism
BHB also plays a role in muscle metabolism. It has been observed to decrease muscle protein breakdown and whole-body protein oxidation, which can be beneficial during periods of caloric restriction or muscle wasting conditions. In a study investigating the effects of sodium BHB on muscle protein dynamics, no direct adverse effects on skeletal muscle protein turnover were observed. The study noted that systemic administration of BHB decreased whole-body protein oxidation and muscle protein breakdown, but local administration did not show significant differences in muscle protein turnover. BHB inhibits muscle protein breakdown and decreases whole-body protein oxidation.
Cognitive Benefits
BHB has been associated with cognitive benefits, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases and aging. It can upregulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is crucial for brain health and cognitive function. In healthy older adults, BHB has been shown to influence brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, which are crucial for brain health. A study found that increased BHB levels were associated with higher levels of proBDNF, a precursor to mature BDNF, suggesting a potential link between BHB and improved brain health. BHB can upregulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), particularly its precursor proBDNF, which is associated with brain health.
Other Potential Benefits
In a clinical trial involving malnourished older adults, a high-protein oral nutritional supplement containing BHB (HP-HMB) was associated with a significant reduction in 90-day mortality compared to a placebo. BHB has been linked to muscle improvement in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). A pilot study found that increased BHB levels, achieved through a Mediterranean diet supplemented with coconut oil, were associated with higher levels of the enzyme Paraoxonase 1 (PON1). BHB suppresses the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, which is involved in inflammatory responses.
The brain, heart, skeletal muscle, and other bodily tissues are able to break down ketones and produce ATP to fuel themselves. Burning ketones for energy is highly efficient and may even lead to lower production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are normal byproducts of metabolism. Ketone breakdown leads to less ROS production. Our brains love BHB. BHB also helps increase the synthesis of GABA-an inhibitory neurotransmitter that we need for proper brain health. BHB has been shown to inhibit a complex known as the NLRP inflammasome, which could reduce levels of inflammation within the brain. Studies support this-BHB is associated with better cognitive performance and memory in Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive deficit. Besides boosting brain health with age, BHB could also be a cognitive enhancer.
Exogenous BHB Supplements
Exogenous BHB supplements, such as ketone esters and salts, have been developed to induce ketosis without the need for dietary restrictions. These supplements can rapidly increase blood BHB levels, providing an immediate source of ketones for energy. When ingested, BHB is metabolized from precursors like bis-hexanoyl (R)-1,3-butanediol (BH-BD).
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Types of Exogenous Ketones
- Ketone Salts (KS): These are BHB bound to a mineral, such as sodium, potassium, or calcium. They are a cost-effective way to increase blood BHB levels, but may have some downsides, such as the added intake of minerals.
- Ketone Esters: These are BHB bound to an alcohol molecule. They can result in rapid and sustained elevation of blood BHB.
- MCT Oils: While not BHB itself, MCT oil can be converted into ketones by the body.
Keto BHB Capsules: A Closer Look
Keto BHB capsules are designed as a dietary aid to support the body's transition into ketosis, thereby promoting weight loss while supplying essential nutrients. Its formula integrates Calcium Citrate, MCT Powder, and BHB salts (Calcium BHB, Magnesium BHB, and Sodium BHB), aiming to facilitate a smooth transition to ketosis, enhance energy levels, and support metabolic health.
Ingredients
- Calcium Citrate
- MCT Powder
- Calcium BHB (β-Hydroxybutyric Acid)
- Magnesium BHB (β-Hydroxybutyric Acid)
- Sodium BHB (β-Hydroxybutyric Acid)
Intended Benefits
- Facilitates ketosis: Keto BHB is formulated to kickstart your body's natural ketosis process. By providing a blend of Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) salts, it helps shift your metabolism from relying on carbohydrates to utilizing fat as a primary energy source. This not only supports your weight loss goals but also enhances overall metabolic efficiency.
- Energy support: Our Keto BHB formula includes MCT Powder, known for its rapid conversion into ketones, providing a quick and sustained energy boost. This helps maintain mental clarity and physical stamina without the common ups and downs associated with carb-heavy diets. Say goodbye to energy crashes and hello to consistent, focused energy.
- Metabolic health: The inclusion of Calcium, Magnesium, and Sodium BHB salts is crucial for smooth adaptation to ketosis and ongoing metabolic health. These essential minerals support the body's transition to a low-carb diet, ensuring that metabolic functions remain optimal even as you shift your energy sources.
- Nutritional support: To complement your ketogenic diet, we’ve added Calcium Citrate, which is vital for maintaining bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
Dosage and Usage
As a dietary supplement, adults take two (2) capsules daily. Do not exceed recommended dose.
Safety and Potential Side Effects
While BHB is generally considered safe, it's important to be aware of potential side effects, especially when taking exogenous BHB supplements.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea and Vomiting: Users often report nausea and vomiting as common side effects of BHB supplementation.
- Dehydration: BHB can lead to dehydration, especially if not accompanied by adequate water intake.
Safety Study in Adolescents
In a study, 22 healthy male and female adolescents consumed 3.75 g of beta-hydroxybutyrate salts or maltodextrin placebo twice daily for 90 days. Comprehensive blood safety analysis, bone densitometry, happiness and emotional intelligence surveys, and blood pressure were assessed at Pre, Day 45, and Day 90. There were no significant differences detected in subjects supplementing with beta-hydroxybutyrate salts, indicating that exogenous beta-hydroxybutyrate salts had no detrimental impact on fasting blood safety metrics, bone density, happiness, emotional intelligence, or blood pressure.
The primary finding of this study was that sustained 7.5 g of daily exogenous BHB salt consumption for 90 days was safe for healthy adolescents and had no adverse effect on hematological safety markers, bone densitometry, emotional intelligence and psychological well-being, or cardiovascular markers of health.
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Important Considerations
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: Before starting any new supplement regimen, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure adequate water intake when taking BHB supplements to prevent dehydration.
- Monitor Ketone Levels: If you are following a ketogenic diet and taking BHB supplements, monitor your ketone levels to ensure they stay within a safe range.
Ketogenic Diet and Ketosis
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein diet that induces a state of ketosis. The purpose of the ketogenic diet is to mimic a fasted state by inducing ketosis, a metabolic state where blood ketone concentrations are between 0.5 millimolar (mmol/L) and 3.0 mmol/L. The ketogenic diet has been utilized to reduce the incidence of seizures in adolescents with epilepsy . There is also evidence to support that the ketogenic diet can improve outcomes of other neurological and metabolic-based disorders like attention deficit disorder, autism, control tumor growth of some forms of cancer by limiting glucose availability, and lowering glucose and hemoglobin A1c in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Achieving Ketosis
- Dietary Changes: Restricting carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day and increasing fat intake. The ketogenic diet is restrictive in nature (carbohydrate restriction) and may have some undesirable side effects which, in turn, can make it difficult to adhere to. Some of the undesirable side effects are gastrointestinal discomfort, constipation , vomiting , lack of energy , hunger , and increases in apoB-lipoproteins .
- Fasting: Intermittent fasting or prolonged fasting can also induce ketosis.
- Exogenous Ketones: Supplementing with exogenous ketones can help you enter ketosis more quickly and easily.
Measuring Ketone Levels
You can measure BHB using a blood ketone meter, which is similar to a blood glucose monitor except for the strips you insert into the device. Blood testing is the most accurate ketone testing method using a commercial device. A few downsides to blood testing include the cost (initially for the meter and then replacement strips), and the invasiveness of the measure.
BHB and Weight Loss
Ketogenic diets (KDs) that elevate beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) promote weight and fat loss. Exogenous ketones, such as ketone salts (KS), also elevate BHB concentrations with the potential to protect against muscle loss during caloric restriction. The KD induced nutritional ketosis (>1.0 mM capillary BHB) throughout the study, with higher fasting concentrations observed in KD + KS than KD + PL for the first 2 weeks. There were decreases in body mass, whole body fat and lean mass, mid-thigh muscle cross-sectional area, and both visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues , but no group differences between the two KDs or with the LFD.
Energy-matched hypocaloric ketogenic diets favorably affected body composition but were not further impacted by administration of an exogenous BHB-salt that augmented ketosis.
The Future of BHB Research
Researchers are studying the effects of this ingredient to see if it can help people live longer. There is no evidence to date that the ketogenic diet will increase your lifespan or healthspan in humans. We need to do the experiments. Verdin’s team needs to figure out exactly what the threshold - the quantity of BHB in the bloodstream - is before those effects happen. A real, clinically studied BHB supplement in the future could be.
Epilepsy, lifespan, cognitive ability, and Alzheimer’s are all part of a growing list of conditions that BHB appears to affect beneficially. But demonstrating its effectiveness in humans, particularly in a supplement form, is still a long way off. Nonetheless, both Verdin and Masino are optimistic. They do caution the public in getting too excited about the next miracle supplement, though.