The ketogenic or keto diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that puts your body into ketosis, a nutritional state characterised by raised blood ketones and weight loss. Ketone supplements, such as keto BHB, are marketed as a quick fix to help your body stay in ketosis, but do they really work?
Ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a compound that the liver produces from fats. These small molecules circulate in the bloodstream and are used by the body's tissue for energy. BHB can also be made in a lab and taken as a supplement. It seems to help the brain and nerves work better and may provide energy to muscles to improve exercise ability.
However, there is no good scientific evidence to support the use of BHB for dry eye, athletic performance, migraine, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and many other conditions. While BHB is possibly safe when taken as a single dose of 380 mg/kg, some people might experience stomach upset, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain when very high doses are used.
So, while keto BHB may help your body stay in ketosis, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for weight loss and its impact on overall health.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
What is it? | Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a chemical that is made by the body and provides energy when not enough carbohydrates or sugars have been eaten. |
Uses | BHB is used for dry eye, athletic performance, migraine, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and many other conditions. |
Effectiveness | There is no good scientific evidence to support the uses of BHB. |
Side Effects | Some people might experience stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain when taking very high doses. |
Precautions | BHB is possibly safe when taken as a single dose of 380 mg/kg. There isn't enough information to know if it is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it is best to avoid use. |
Dosing | There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of BHB might be. |
What You'll Learn
Ketone supplements can help your body stay in ketosis
Ketone supplements typically contain two active ingredients: ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). BHB is a compound that the liver produces from fats, and MCTs are a type of fat found in coconut and palm oil. These supplements are designed to raise your blood ketone levels, which can be beneficial for people who want to transition into ketosis without necessarily following a ketogenic diet.
There are two main forms of ketone supplements: ketone salts and ketone esters. Ketone salts are the most common form and are typically found in powder form, mixed with liquid. Ketone esters are less common but are the purest and most effective form of ketone supplements. They work quickly, in 15 to 30 minutes, and are more expensive than ketone salts.
Ketone supplements have been shown to have several potential benefits. They can help curb carbohydrate cravings and reduce appetite, leading to weight loss. Additionally, they can provide easily accessible energy to the brain and muscle tissues, resulting in improved mental and physical performance. Ketone supplements may also help minimize or prevent "keto flu" symptoms, such as fatigue, hunger, and mental cloudiness.
However, it's important to note that research on the effectiveness of ketone supplements is still limited, and there is conflicting evidence regarding their impact on weight loss. While some studies suggest that ketone supplements can boost ketone levels in the blood, it is unclear whether they have a significant effect on weight loss. Additionally, the body seeks to maintain an even level of ketones to prevent a toxic buildup, so taking ketone supplements may not be very effective as the excess ketones will be flushed out by the body.
In conclusion, while ketone supplements may offer some benefits and help your body stay in ketosis, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness in weight loss. It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
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BHB is a naturally occurring molecule produced by your body during ketosis
Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body produced from fat by the liver for energy when glucose isn't available. It is a naturally occurring molecule produced by the body during ketosis, a metabolic state in which the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. Ketosis is achieved through the ketogenic diet, a very low-carb, high-fat diet.
During ketosis, the body breaks down fat for fuel, producing ketone bodies, including BHB, and using them for energy instead of glucose. BHB is the most abundant of these ketone bodies, along with acetoacetate and acetone. It is the body and brain's primary source of energy during ketosis.
BHB can be supplemented through exogenous ketone supplements, which are claimed to help individuals achieve and maintain ketosis more quickly. These supplements are often in the form of ketone salts or ketone esters. However, it is important to note that there is limited research on the effectiveness of these supplements, and they may not be necessary for achieving ketosis.
Additionally, BHB supplements may have side effects, such as stomach upset, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain, especially at very high doses. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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BHB can be used to treat dry eye, migraines, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and more
Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a chemical produced by the body when it doesn't have enough carbohydrates or sugars to burn for energy. It can also be made in a laboratory and taken as a supplement.
BHB has been used to treat a range of conditions, including dry eye, migraines, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. However, there is currently no solid scientific evidence to support these uses.
Dry Eye
BHB eye drops containing 1% BHB have been used without side effects for up to four weeks.
Migraines
There is increasing evidence that migraines are a response to a cerebral energy deficiency or oxidative stress levels that exceed antioxidant capacity. BHB has been shown to be an efficient alternative fuel source for the brain and can positively influence other pathways believed to be part of migraine pathophysiology.
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
BHB is thought to improve brain function in several ways, including the preservation of neurons and synapses, lower neuroinflammation, and reduced risk of dementia. It has also been shown to improve cognition in people with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
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Ketone supplements can help reduce appetite
Ketone supplements are often marketed as a quick way to induce ketosis and lose weight. However, the effects of ketone supplements on weight loss are not yet fully understood.
That being said, ketone supplements have been shown to decrease appetite, which may aid in weight loss. In a study of 15 people of normal weight, those who drank a beverage containing ketone esters experienced 50% less hunger after fasting overnight than those who drank a sugary drink. This effect was attributed to lower levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin between two and four hours after drinking the ketone ester drink.
However, ketone supplements may not affect appetite as much if consumed after a meal. Studies have shown that ketone supplements result in higher blood ketone levels if taken on an empty stomach, as opposed to after a meal. This is because the body uses fewer ketones as fuel when there is more available glucose from carbohydrates.
It is important to note that the effects of ketone supplements on appetite suppression may only last a few hours, and additional studies are needed to determine their effectiveness in appetite control. Furthermore, ketone supplements are not recommended for weight loss at this time, as some evidence suggests they may even hinder it.
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BHB can improve mental and physical performance
BHB, or beta-hydroxybutyrate, is a ketone body produced by the liver from fat for energy when glucose is not available. It is one of the three main ketone bodies produced during ketosis, the other two being acetoacetate and acetone. BHB easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, providing easily accessible energy to the brain and muscle tissues. This results in improved mental and physical performance, as well as reduced feelings of hunger, increased energy, and enhanced immune health.
Improved Mental Performance
BHB has been shown to improve mental performance and cognitive function by reducing brain fog and improving memory function. It can also help to block the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that relaxes the central nervous system, thereby reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, BHB can increase blood flow to the brain and the production of protective proteins, which can reduce brain damage and improve cognitive function in people with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Increased Physical Performance
BHB supplements can help improve physical performance and endurance exercise by increasing energy levels and promoting fat burning. BHB aids in increasing ketone levels in the body, which provides a steady source of clean energy. This can help athletes and fitness enthusiasts improve their endurance, strength, and recovery time. BHB can also reduce inflammation and muscle damage, making it easier to recover from intense workouts.
Other Benefits of BHB
In addition to improving mental and physical performance, BHB offers a range of other health benefits. These include:
- Appetite suppression: BHB can help control appetite and reduce cravings, making it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan.
- Diabetes prevention: BHB can help prevent Type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and increasing insulin sensitivity.
- Heart health: BHB can improve heart health by reducing inflammation, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, which are risk factors for heart disease.
- Cancer prevention: Studies suggest that BHB can prevent the growth of cancer cells by controlling inflammation and regulating glutamine metabolism.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: BHB can help prevent the release of inflammatory molecules, reducing the risk of various diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's.
- Longevity: While not yet proven in human studies, research on other organisms suggests that BHB may increase lifespan by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and improving mitochondrial function.
Overall, BHB supplementation can provide numerous benefits for both mental and physical performance, as well as overall health and wellness.
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Frequently asked questions
Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body produced from fat by the liver for energy when glucose isn't available. It ultimately becomes the body and brain's primary source of energy. BHB is a naturally occurring molecule produced by your body during ketosis.
BHB easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, resulting in easily accessible energy for the brain and muscle tissues. This leads to reduced feelings of hunger, improved mental performance, increased physical performance, longer-lasting energy, and reaching ketosis faster.
Some people might experience stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain when taking very high doses. There is also a risk of a potentially toxic buildup of BHB in the bloodstream.
BHB is intended for those on the keto diet to help them stay in ketosis, curb carbohydrate cravings, and reduce appetite. It can also be used to relieve or prevent the keto flu.
While there is some evidence to support the idea that exogenous ketones can be helpful for people on the keto diet, there is limited research on the efficacy of keto supplements. One thing that is certain is that experts do not recommend keto pills or any diet pills.