betahidroxibutirát

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a hydroxy-carboxylic acid and one of the main ketone bodies produced by the liver. It is generated during periods of low carbohydrate availability, such as fasting or adherence to a ketogenic diet, when fatty acids are mobilized and undergo ketogenesis. In the liver, acetyl-CoA from fatty acid oxidation is converted to acetoacetate and D-β-hydroxybutyrate, which are released into the bloodstream and transported to other tissues where they serve as alternative energy substrates, particularly for the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle.

Beta-hydroxybutyrate exists in two enantiomeric forms, D- and L-. The D-enantiomer is the physiologically active form for energy production in humans, while the L-enantiomer is less efficiently utilized and is typically present in some exogenous products.

Exogenous BHB can be supplied as salts or esters, designed to raise blood ketone levels without prolonged fasting. These products are used in sports nutrition and by researchers to study ketosis or its metabolic effects. In clinical contexts, ketosis induced by BHB is explored for potential benefits in epilepsy, metabolic disorders, and some neurodegenerative conditions, but evidence remains preliminary and not conclusive.

Safety and regulation: BHB supplements are generally well tolerated at moderate doses but can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and electrolyte imbalance from salts, and may raise concerns for individuals with kidney disease at high intake. They are not approved medicines; use should be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially for people with diabetes, kidney disease, or pregnancy.

In summary, beta-hydroxybutyrate is a key metabolic substrate during ketosis, with growing interest in its physiological and potential therapeutic roles, though robust clinical data are still needed.