Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a chemical that is produced by the body to provide energy when there is a lack of carbohydrates or sugars. It can also be made in a laboratory and taken as a supplement to aid in weight loss, improve athletic performance, and help with migraines, among other conditions. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses, and some people have reported negative side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhoea, and constipation. Reviews of BHB products are mixed, with some people reporting positive results when combined with a keto diet and moderate exercise, while others have called it a scam.
What You'll Learn
BHB and weight loss
Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a chemical produced by the body when there is a shortage of carbohydrates or sugars. It can also be made in a laboratory and taken as a supplement. BHB provides an alternative energy source and is thought to improve brain and nerve function.
BHB and the Ketogenic Diet
Ketogenic diets are low-carbohydrate diets that elevate BHB levels and promote weight and fat loss. Exogenous ketones, such as ketone salts (KS), also increase BHB concentrations and may protect against muscle loss during caloric restriction.
A 2021 study investigated the effects of a 6-week controlled, hypocaloric ketogenic diet with and without exogenous ketone salts on body composition in overweight and obese adults. The results showed that both diets led to decreases in body mass, whole-body fat, lean mass, and visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues. However, there were no significant differences in weight loss or body composition between the two ketogenic diets or when compared to a low-fat diet.
BHB Supplementation and Weight Loss
Some people take BHB supplements with the goal of losing weight. BHB supplements are often marketed as weight loss aids, claiming to suppress appetite and boost metabolism. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims.
A review of user experiences with BHB supplements reveals a range of responses, with some people reporting weight loss while others express dissatisfaction with the product and the company's business practices. It is important to note that individual results may vary, and factors such as diet and exercise can also influence weight loss outcomes.
While BHB may have a role in weight loss, particularly in conjunction with a ketogenic diet, more research is needed to fully understand its effects. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or weight loss program.
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BHB and obesity
BHB, or beta-hydroxybutyrate, is a chemical produced by the body to provide energy when there is a lack of carbohydrates or sugars. It can also be made in a laboratory and taken as a supplement. BHB has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including improved brain and nerve function, enhanced athletic performance, and the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims.
In terms of obesity, BHB has been found to influence appetite and body weight regulation. A study by Xu et al. revealed that BHB-Phe, a compound formed by the enzyme CNDP2 joining BHB to amino acids, suppressed feeding behaviour and reduced body weight in mice. Conversely, mice that lacked the CNDP2 enzyme and, consequently, BHB-Phe, displayed increased food intake and weight gain. These findings suggest that the metabolic pathway involving BHB-Phe may be disrupted in obesity, highlighting the need for further research.
Additionally, BHB has been found to reduce glucose levels and improve vascular function in individuals with obesity. A randomised trial by Walsh et al. showed that a 14-day ketone supplementation lowered glucose levels and improved vascular function in obese individuals. Another study by Myette-Côté et al. found that a ketone monoester drink reduced the glycemic response to an oral glucose challenge in people with obesity.
While the exact mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated, the available evidence suggests that BHB may play a role in obesity management, potentially by influencing appetite, body weight, and glucose metabolism. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and establish the safety and efficacy of BHB supplementation for weight management.
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BHB and side effects
BHB, or beta-hydroxybutyrate, is a molecule that is considered a "ketone body" and is one of the main molecules that helps your body produce energy in the absence of glucose. It is produced by the body when it has used up its usual source of energy from carbohydrates and is forced to look for alternative fuel sources. This is the state of ketosis, which can be achieved through the keto diet.
BHB can also be taken as a supplement to induce ketosis and increase energy production. However, there are some side effects to be aware of when taking BHB supplements.
Some people may experience gastrointestinal distress when taking BHB supplements, especially when taking too high a dose. This can include stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. These side effects are more likely to occur when very high doses are used. It is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it to build up tolerance.
Additionally, BHB supplements can sometimes cause a lull in time when switching from carbohydrate metabolism to fat metabolism, which can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and low energy. This transition period usually lasts for about 3-4 days.
Furthermore, BHB supplements can be expensive, and it is important to note that there is limited research on the long-term effects of these supplements.
It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement, especially if you have any health concerns or are taking medication.
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BHB and effectiveness
BHB, or beta-hydroxybutyrate, is a chemical that is produced by the body when there is a shortage of consumed carbohydrates or sugars. It can also be made in a laboratory and taken as a supplement. BHB is used to provide energy to the brain, nerves, and muscles, and it may improve exercise ability. It is also used for dry eye, athletic performance, migraine, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other conditions. However, there is currently no scientific evidence supporting these uses.
When taken by mouth, BHB is possibly safe when consumed as a single dose of 380 mg/kg. Some people may experience stomach upset, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain, especially when consuming very high doses. There is insufficient information to determine whether BHB is safe when more than one dose is used. Similarly, there is insufficient information to determine whether BHB is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it is recommended to avoid use during these periods.
In terms of effectiveness, user reviews are mixed. While some people report accelerated weight loss, reduced appetite, and ease of use when BHB is combined with a Keto diet and moderate exercise, others report no weight loss or health improvements. It is important to note that individual results may vary, and the effectiveness of BHB may depend on various factors such as age, health status, diet, and exercise regimen.
A study on the safety of exogenous BHB salt supplementation in healthy adolescents found that daily consumption of 7.5 g of BHB salts for 90 days had no adverse effects on blood safety metrics, bone density, emotional intelligence, psychological well-being, or cardiovascular markers of health. This suggests that BHB salt supplementation is safe and well-tolerated by this population. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of BHB for specific health conditions and in different demographic groups.
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BHB and keto diet
Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a chemical produced by the body to provide energy when not enough carbohydrates or sugars have been consumed. BHB is also produced by the liver during ketosis, a metabolic state in which the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy.
Benefits of BHB
BHB can be taken as a supplement to achieve ketosis faster and curb carbohydrate cravings. It can also help reduce symptoms of the "keto flu", such as fatigue, hunger, and mental cloudiness. Additionally, BHB can improve mental and physical performance, provide longer-lasting energy, and enhance immune health by reducing inflammation in the body.
Precautions and Side Effects
When taken by mouth, BHB is possibly safe as a single dose of 380 mg/kg. However, some people may experience stomach upset, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain, especially with very high doses. There is also a risk of gastrointestinal distress, and it is advised to start with a small dose to determine gut tolerance.
User Reviews
User reviews for BHB supplements are mixed. Some people report accelerated weight loss when combined with a keto diet and moderate exercise, as well as reduced hunger. However, others have reported negative experiences, including muscle spasms, difficulty cancelling subscriptions, and unexpected charges.
While BHB supplements can have benefits for those on a keto diet, it is important to note that they are not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise. As with any supplement, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before use and to be cautious of products that sound too good to be true.
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Frequently asked questions
Keto BHB is a chemical that is made by the body and provides energy when not enough carbohydrates or sugars have been eaten. It can also be made in a lab and taken as a supplement.
Keto BHB is used for dry eye, athletic performance, migraines, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and many other conditions. However, there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Some people might experience an upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain when taking very high doses of Keto BHB. There is also not enough information to know if it is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
While there is limited research on the effectiveness of Keto BHB for weight loss, some people have reported accelerated weight loss when combining it with a Keto diet and moderate exercise. However, it is important to note that there have also been reports of scams and unauthorized charges associated with some Keto BHB products.