Beta-hydroxybutyrate

Synonyms: BHB salts, BHB

Brief overview

• BHB salts, or beta-hydroxybutyrate, are a unique molecule produced in the body when free fatty acids are broken down in the liver.
• Beta-hydroxybutyrate is one of the most abundant molecules in the body to support energy production in the absence of glucose.
• Physiological changes from beta-hydroxybutyrate consumption include improved insulin sensitivity and increased production of ketones.
• Benefits of beta-hydroxybutyrate include increased fat loss while maintaining existing muscle mass or building muscle, improved cognitive function and enhanced athletic performance.
• When beta-hydroxybutyrate & MCT oil are consumed together, an even greater state of ketosis can be achieved.
• Beta-hydroxybutyrate may have additional long-term health benefits, which are currently under scientific investigation.
• BHB salts have a high absorption rate and act as a diuretic.

Beta-hydroxybutyrate is a unique ketogenic compound that has a number of benefits, particularly in terms of increasing energy and fat burning. In the supplement. Health and sports industry, this ingredient is of great interest. So let's take a look at what this compound has to offer.

What is beta-hydroxybutyrate?

Beta-hydroxybutyrate, also known as BHB, is a ketogenic molecule that is produced when free fatty acids are broken down in the liver. The main function of beta-hydroxybutyrate is to help the body produce energy in the absence of glucose. But what are "BHB salts"? BHB salts are compounds consisting of sodium, potassium and the ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate. These molecules provide pure energy to power the human brain and other body tissues.

What do BHB salts do?

The human body produces three types of keto bodies that are used in the absence of glucose. These include acetoacetate, acetone and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Of these three, beta-hydroxybutyrate is present in the largest quantities and is also the most commonly used as an alternative energy source to glucose, as this molecule can overcome barriers that other ketones cannot. The main role of beta-hydroxybutyrate is to provide the brain and body with energy and it can also support mental and physical performance.

Different types of ketones

Acetoacetate

• Formed during the breakdown of fatty acids
• Is converted into either beta-hydroxybutyrate or acetone

Beta-hydroxybutyrate

• Is produced from acetoacetate
• Technically not a ketone, but is considered a ketone in a ketogenic diet due to its structure

Acetone

• Formed as a by-product of acetoacetate
• Is broken down quickly
• Excreted from the body via breath or other bodily excretions

Benefits of BHB salts in supplements

There are several benefits of supplementing with BHB salts. The primary benefit of BHB salts is that they have the ability to increase the levels of ketones in the blood, which means that the user benefits from extra energy, improved cognitive function and accelerated fat burning. Thus, BHB salts are a good supplement regardless of the type of training performed.

By supplementing with beta-hydroxybutyrate, athletes can improve their metabolic efficiency. This means that their body burns better energy sources more efficiently over a longer period of time and the amount of energy sources needed to maintain performance is reduced. This often happens in the absence of glucose, when ketones become the essential energy source.

It was also found that athletes showed improved performance when ketone levels were high. Many studies conducted on beta-hydroxybutyrate have shown that this compound helps to support various areas including increased endurance, enhanced physical performance, more efficient weight loss, prevention of cancer, improved cognitive performance and anti-inflammatory properties.

Beta-hydroxybutyrate & mixed salts

When a supplement containing BHB salts is consumed, they enter the bloodstream where the beta-hydroxybutyrate and sodium or potassium ions are separated. Since BHB is a water-based solution, the consumption of these salts will result in a higher amount of ketones in the blood. This allows the body to produce more energy. Studies have shown that beta-hydroxybutyrate is most stable when bound to minerals such as sodium, calcium or magnesium. It provides additional benefits through the extra electrolytes and nutrients needed to produce ketones.

It provides the option of inducing a state of ketosis and increasing blood levels of ketones. Let's take a look at what happens when beta-hydroxybutyrate is bound to different minerals

• Beta-hydroxybutyrate + sodium - By adding more sodium to the body, the diffusion of sodium ions across the cell membrane can help promote muscle contractions and the transmission of nerve impulses.
• Beta-hydroxybutyrate + calcium - Some companies have opted to avoid the high sodium intake and use calcium salts of beta-hydroxybutyrate instead. Using beta-hydroxybutyrate + calcium slows absorption, which may not be ideal for those looking to optimize brain absorption of ketones.
• Beta-hydroxybutyrate + magnesium - Magnesium is a crucial mineral for everyone. During intense exercise, magnesium is lost through sweat and is also excreted in the urine. A little extra magnesium can therefore reduce the risk of magnesium deficiency.

As mentioned above, beta-hydroxybutyrate can be bound to different minerals and target different areas. Perhaps in the future there will be a manufacturer that combines all three BHB salts in one product to cover all areas for inducing ketosis. These compounds work together in the body in an ideal way when no carbohydrates are consumed.

Beta-hydroxybutyrate and cognitive function

As mentioned above, beta-hydroxybutyrate has been shown to improve cognitive function. The ketogenic diet is becoming an increasingly popular method of improving cognitive function and scientific research suggests that using BHB salts in supplement form may not only benefit people on a ketogenic diet.

Beta-hydroxybutyrate & MCT oils

The combination of beta-hydroxybutyrate and MCT oils (medium chain triglycerides) increases blood ketone levels and keeps them elevated for longer. The combination of these two compounds has been shown to be effective for weight loss and reduces the risk of digestive problems that sometimes occur when MCT oils are consumed on their own. As the modern diet relies on a high carbohydrate intake, many people find it difficult to switch to a low carbohydrate diet. This is where beta-hydroxybutyrate and MCT oil come into play. This is why there are more and more supplements on the market that combine MCT oil and beta-hydroxybutyrate.

Beta-hydroxybutyrate & weight loss

For many people, the goal is to lose weight and stay slim. With this goal in mind, many people choose to limit their carbohydrate intake or start fasting to burn fat and get lean. But now there is the option to supplement with beta-hydroxybutyrate, which can help suppress appetite and support weight loss and fat burning. More importantly, ketones have the ability to act as a diuretic so that salt is excreted. This means that supplementing with BHB salts can help the body to replenish these salts.

Beta-hydroxybutyrate side effects

As with most supplements, there is a possibility that side effects may occur with BHB salts, although the likelihood is very low. The most common side effects are an imbalance in electrolyte levels, bloating and minor digestive discomfort. Digestive discomfort can occur when large amounts of beta-hydroxybutyrate are consumed, as the body is not used to processing all these keto bodies. For this reason, it is recommended to start with a low dosage to determine tolerance.

Is beta-hydroxybutyrate safe and harmless?

As far as scientific research to date is concerned, BHB salts are considered safe and harmless. They do not contain any banned substances and are also produced naturally by the liver. Taking them in conjunction with a normal diet should therefore not cause any undesirable side effects.

Manufacturers of BHB salts

There is already a branded BHB salt that is sold under the name goBHB™. This product is manufactured using a patented process and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure the highest possible quality.

Final verdict

For athletes looking to increase their levels of ketones and improve their performance while optimizing their body composition, BHB salts are the optimal supplement. More studies are sure to be published in the future that will confirm what we already know: and that is that BHB salts, when combined with a low-carb or ketogenic diet, support fat burning, cognitive function and athletic performance.

References

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