BHB is a dietary supplement containing a blend of calcium, potassium and sodium beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) salts. The preparation constitutes an exogenous source of ketone bodies in the form of powder.
BHB is a ketone body. It has been demonstrated that BHB consumption helps to increase ketones in the blood and constitutes a pro-ketogenic signal for the organism. BHB increases the amount of neurotransmitters thanks to which ketones are transported from the blood to the brain and helps to reduce the time of keto-adaptation and alleviate the symptoms that accompany it, referred to as the so-called low-carb flu (sugar cravings, fatigue, irritability, low motivation).
Ketone bodies – characteristics
Ketone bodies enable better oxygen expenditure in order to generate energy, which is used mainly by the brain and muscles. They are produced in the liver in special metabolic conditions, which are affected by such factors as: fasting, significant calorie restrictions, a ketogenic diet, as well as intensive physical activity.
AMPK activation and anti-inflammatory properties
Because BHB stimulates the activity of AMPL (5’AMP-activated protein kinase), it inhibits the functioning of the inflammasome NLRP3, which is responsible for activating the pro-inflammatory cascade and the maturation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Those properties allow BHB to eliminate endoplasmic reticulum stress and the increased risk of developing chronic inflammations that goes with it, which can lead to, for example, Alzheimer’s disease, insulin resistance, multiple sclerosis, or cancer.
Neuroprotection and support for neurogenesis
BHB promotes the expression of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in the hippocampus. BDNF is a signalling protein and is responsible for the development and survival of a nerve cell. As a neurogenesis-stimulating factor, it plays an important role in cognitive functions, slows down their deterioration, regulates well-being, and has an antidepressant effect.
To sum up, BHB is a dietary supplement intended to satisfy the needs of people on a ketogenic diet (it helps to reduce the time of keto-adaptation, alleviate the problems that accompany it, or skip some of its stages). The preparation immediately increases the amount of beta-hydroxybutyrate in the blood and constitutes an excellent source of energy. It also helps to improve intellectual and physical capacity and exhibits anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
