What is Beta-Hydroxybutyrate used for?

BHB is a chemical that is used as energy by some cells of the body when sugar levels are low. BHB seems to help nerves and the brain to work better. BHB might be used as energy by muscles in the body to improve exercise ability.

What does a positive Beta-Hydroxybutyrate mean?

Elevated levels beta-hydroxybutyrate is diagnostic of ketoacidosis, whereas the absence of concomitant hyperglycemia supports the diagnosis of alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA). Levels ³ 3 mmol/L are indicative of ketoacidosis.

What causes elevated Beta-Hydroxybutyrate?

Elevated serum β-hydroxybutyrate levels can be observed in various conditions associated with metabolic substrate use disorders, insulin deficiency, and altered redox status, including the following [2, 5, 6] : Diabetic ketoacidosis: Ketone body production is stimulated by dehydration and insulin deficiency.

What is Beta-Hydroxybutyrate blood test?

Test Information. Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BOH) is the predominant ketone body in the blood. It is the most sensitive marker for detecting ketosis. The American Diabetes Association has recommended BOH as the preferred method for diagnosing and monitoring treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Does beta-hydroxybutyrate raise blood pressure?

They observed that when it reached the kidneys, the beta-hydroxybutyrate reduced inflammation, which in turn lowered blood pressure significantly. “By fixing the kidney,” Prof. Joe explains, “it is indirectly contributing to the lowering of blood pressure.”

What if beta-hydroxybutyrate is high?

What does it mean if your Beta-Hydroxybutyrate result is too high? Elevated β-Hydroxybutyrate is a sign that extra chromium and vanadium may be warranted. It is also a byproduct of ketosis. Ketosis occurs when cells do not get a steady supply of sugar from dietary carbohydrate, so they burn fat instead.

Is BHB bad for blood pressure?

“As we searched through the literature we saw beta hydroxybutyrate has been observed increasing with exercise or calorie restriction. Both of those activities also reduce blood pressure. The key piece of our discovery is we now know that beta hydroxybutyrate decreases with salt consumption.

What is a normal BHB level?

Normal BHB levels are <0.3 mmol/L and are typically >2.0 mmol/L in patients with ketoacidosis.