betahydroksybutanowy

Beta-hydroksybutanowy refers to beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), also known as 3-hydroxybutyrate. It is one of the three main ketone bodies produced by the liver during periods of fasting, prolonged exercise, or a ketogenic diet. The other ketone bodies are acetoacetate and acetone. BHB is a molecule that can be used as an alternative energy source by the brain and other tissues when glucose levels are low.

The production of BHB is stimulated by a decrease in insulin and an increase in glucagon. This hormonal shift signals the liver to break down fatty acids into ketone bodies. BHB circulates in the bloodstream and can be transported across cell membranes, where it is converted back into acetyl-CoA, which then enters the citric acid cycle to produce ATP, the body's primary energy currency.

BHB has gained attention for its potential physiological effects beyond energy provision. Research suggests it may play roles in cellular signaling, inflammation modulation, and neuronal protection. For instance, it can inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs), potentially influencing gene expression. The body's ability to utilize BHB efficiently is crucial for maintaining energy homeostasis under conditions of limited carbohydrate availability.