D3hydroxybutyrate

D3hydroxybutyrate, also known as beta-hydroxybutyrate or BHB, is a ketone body produced in the liver during periods of fasting, prolonged exercise, or when consuming a ketogenic diet. Ketone bodies are an alternative fuel source for the body, particularly for the brain, when glucose levels are low. BHB is the most abundant ketone body.

The production of BHB involves a metabolic pathway that converts fatty acids into ketone bodies. This process becomes significant when the body's primary energy source, glucose, is depleted. BHB can then be used by various tissues, including the brain, heart, and muscles, to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

BHB is thought to play several physiological roles. Beyond its function as an energy substrate, it may also act as a signaling molecule, influencing gene expression and cellular processes. Research suggests potential therapeutic applications for BHB in conditions such as neurological disorders, metabolic diseases, and inflammation, although much of this is still under investigation. Measuring BHB levels in blood or urine is a common method to assess ketosis.