How Does BHB Work in Your Body?

Under physiological conditions in which ample carbohydrate is available, or after an overnight fast, circulating ketone body concentrations are relatively low (0.1–0.5 mmol/L).[10] However, limiting carbohydrate intake (such as prolonged fasting, carbohydrate restriction, or prolonged exercise) forces the body to burn fat for fuel. A portion of the acetyl-CoA derived from fatty acids is converted to ketone bodies via hepatic mitochondria (up to 150 g/day).[11]

The brain is an extremely active organ and demands a large amount of energy. The blood brain barrier prevents the brain and CNS from deriving energy from fat directly, but ketones can be used as an “alternate fuel source”. These are created in the liver from fats via the process of ketogenesis and translocated through the blood for conversion back to acetyl-CoA, which is used as an alternative source of energy by the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle.[12] Ketones fuel the brain, as well as skeletal and cardiac muscles.

Supplementing with BHB expedites the process of achieving ketosis, provides the benefits of elevated blood ketone levels, and accelerates keto-adaptation with or without following a ketogenic diet. Let's take a closer look at the documented and researched benefits of taking a clinically dosed BHB Supplement like Ketond:

Suppresses Appetite & Reduces Cravings

Exogenous BHB salt suppresses hunger cravings through a mechanism related to the oxidation of BHB to AcAc.[21] BHB salt exhibited increased satiety in both human and animal studies.[22-23] Exogenous ketone supplementation improves blood BHB level and reduces the desire to eat.

In 2017, Stubbs et al.[23], investigated the effects of an exogenous ketone on increased satiety.

Methods: Following an overnight fast, subjects with normal body weight consumed 1.9 kcal/kg of exogenous ketone, or isocaloric dextrose, in similar drinks. A three-measure visual analogue scale was used to measure hunger, fullness, and desire to eat.

Results: Subjects reported increased fullness (satiety) while hunger and desire to eat were significantly suppressed 1.5 hours after consumption of exogenous ketone, compared with consumption of isocaloric dextrose.

Conclusion: Exogenous ketone drinks reduced hunger and desire to eat, accompanied by decreased levels of the hunger hormone, ghrelin, compared with dextrose drinks.

Increases Energy

BHB, an alternative energy substrate, has been widely reported to improve metabolic efficiency (i.e., energetic performance) in animal models, primarily through mechanisms involving alternations in glycolytic intermediates and enhanced mitochondrial energetics.[15,16]

In data provided by Burgess, BHB produces relatively more energy than glucose. It yields more ATP (13 ATP/C2) than glucose (12.67 ATP/C2) and increases the free energy released from ATP hydrolysis.[17]

Improves Focus

BHB improves energy metabolism in the hypoxia, anoxia and global cerebral ischemia. [13] Elevated ketone bodies replace glucose as the major energy substrate for the brain and thus may be neuroprotective, helping preserve cognitive function.[14]

In a recent study, our team investigated the ability of BHB to improve focus.

Methods: Eight college-aged males and females were randomly assigned either ketones (BHBSalts) or placebo. The subjective feelings (including: Mood (M), Energy (E), Hunger (H), Gastrointestinal distress (GI), and Focus (F)) of participants were collected to determine differences between the two groups.

Results: There was a significant group by time interaction in which perceived focus was significantly greater in the ketone supplemented group at 60 and 120 minutes when compared to placebo (6AU-3.8AU).

Conclusion: Ketone supplementation is effective at acutely enhancing focus.

Accelerated State of Ketosis

Oral BHB salts increase plasma ketone levels. [24,25] They help consumers effectively and efficiently achieve ketosis. Compared to various ketosis strategies, oral BHB salts provide a safe and effective regimen to maximize the benefits of low carb/ketogenic diets.

Recently, Stubbs et al., [24] studied the metabolism of drinks containing ketone salts

Methods: In the trial, investigators researched the blood BHB concentrations of 15 healthy participants following ingestion of 3.2 mmol/kg of BHB ketone salts

Results: The ketone salt drink elevated blood BHB concentrations and returned to baseline within 3–4 h.

Conclusion: Exogenous ketone drinks are a practical, efficacious way to achieve ketosis.

Enhances Athletic Performance

Oral exogenous ketones increase plasma BHB levels and fat oxidation, while reducing glycolysis and plasma lactate. This alters the bodies’ fuel preference, increases glycogen synthesis and ultimately enhances endurance in athletes.[18-20]

In 2016, Cox et al.[18] showed the metabolic benefit of ketone metabolism through the administration of an exogenous ketone drink to athletes.

Methods: Athletes ingested of a drink containing exogenous ketone + carbohydrate or carbohydrate alone according to their body weights. Following an overnight fast, study participants completed bicycle exercise trials consisting of 1 hr steady-state followed by a 30 min time trial for maximum distance.

Results: Athletes cycled on average 411±162 m further over 30 min on ketone + carbohydrate versus carbohydrate equating to a mean performance improvement of 2%.

Conclusion: The physiological alterations achieved by acute nutritional ketosis may improve performance in athletes.