Beta-hydroxybutyrate (bhb)
Scientific names: 3-Hydroxybutanoic acid
Alternate names: 3-Hydroxybutyl-3-Hydroxybutyrate Monoester, 3-Hydroxybutyrate, 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid, Beta-Hydroxybutyric Acid, Beta-OHB, BHB, Calcium-D, L-3-Hydroxybutyrate, D-3-Hydroxybutyrate, D-Beta-Hydroxybutyrate, D-Beta-Hydroxybutyric Acid, Glyceryl-Tris-3-Hydroxybutyrate, D-BHB, DL-Beta-Hydroxybutyrate, L-Beta-Hydroxybutyrate, L-Beta-Hydroxybutyric Acid, Sodium-D, L-3-Hydroxybutyrate
Actions: General, Anti-cancer, Anti-seizure, Cognitive, Exercise-enhancement, Hypolipidemic, Metabolic, Muscle glycogen, Ocular
Background
Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a chemical that is made by the body. It provides energy when not enough carbohydrates or sugars have been eaten.
BHB can also be made in the lab and taken as a supplement. It seems to help the brain and nerves work better. It might also provide energy to muscles to improve exercise ability.
BHB is used for dry eye, athletic performance, migraine, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
BHB can also be made in the lab and taken as a supplement. It seems to help the brain and nerves work better. It might also provide energy to muscles to improve exercise ability.
BHB is used for dry eye, athletic performance, migraine, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: BHB is possibly safe when taken as a single dose of 380 mg/kg. Some people might have stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. These side effects are more likely to happen when very high doses are used. There isn't enough reliable information to know if BHB is safe when more than one dose is used.
When applied into the eye: BHB is possibly safe. An eye drop containing 1% BHB has been used without side effects for up to 4 weeks.
When applied into the eye: BHB is possibly safe. An eye drop containing 1% BHB has been used without side effects for up to 4 weeks.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if BHB is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using BHB for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of BHB might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) interacts with any medicines. Before taking Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB), talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 19/02/2024 11:00:00 and last updated on 11/05/2022 06:20:21. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
