Beta-hydroxybutyrate (bhb) Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Beta-hydroxybutyrate (bhb)

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (bhb)

Also known as
  • 3-Hydroxybutanoic acid
Beta-hydroxybutyrate (bhb) Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a type of ketone body produced by the liver during periods of low food intake or carbohydrate restriction. It is used as an alternative energy source by the body, especially the brain, when glucose levels are low. BHB also plays significant roles in cellular signaling, inflammation reduction, and gene expression. Additionally, it's commercially available as a dietary supplement for weight loss and athletic performance enhancement.
There are 0 drugs known to interact with Beta-hydroxybutyrate (bhb)

Additional Details

Is Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a type of ketone body that your body produces when carbohydrate intake is low. It appears to be mostly safe when used as recommended. It's considered safe when taken orally in a single dose or when applied into the eye for up to a month. For children, the use of BHB salts up to 3.75 grams twice daily for 3 months seems to be without harmful effects in healthy adolescents aged 10 to 17. However, we don't have enough information to know whether it is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women hence, avoiding use is advised.

How Is Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) Thought To Work? What is the mechanism of action?

Taking BHB orally appears to be relatively symptom-free. However, a complete evaluation of safety outcomes is yet to be conducted. The common side effects associated with the oral form include diarrhea, indigestion, mild dehydration, nausea, and vomiting. There is not enough information about the safety and effectiveness of BHB in treating conditions like Alzheimer's, epilepsy, migraine headaches, obesity, Parkinson's disease and for athletic performance enhancement. It isn't clear whether the oral form of BHB is beneficial for weight loss, and more research is necessary on this.

Pharmacokinetics

When it comes to how BHB is processed in the body, BHB is considered a superb energy source for various organs like the brain, heart, and muscles. It crosses the blood-brain barrier with ease and increases cerebrospinal fluid and intracerebral levels of BHB within infants. Many of the benefits of BHB stem from its metabolic activities, boosting brain cell health and cognitive function.

Interaction Overview (See Bottom of Page For Full List)

In terms of potential interactions, it currently doesn't seem to interact with drugs, supplements or conditions, but more research is needed to confirm this.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

When used orally, BHB generally tends to be tolerated well, however it may cause cases of diarrhea, distress stomach, indigestion, mild dehydration, nausea, and vomiting. There is no comprehensive information on safety evaluation.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Those who take ultra-endurance exercises like biking, running and swimming are encouraged to take the supplement orally before they commence the exercise. Consumption of BHB might improve blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity.

What Is Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) Typically Used For?

BHB is the interest of many scientists and doctors as this ketone is produced by the liver when carbohydrate levels go down. BHB also shows to benefit people in terms of helping their neurons overcome breakdown due to maltreated exposure to glucose. Having BHB can slow down cognitive decline, and research is ongoing on the links of BHB to assisting people with Alzheimer disease by suggesting metabolism of ketone bodies.

Drugs that interact with Beta-hydroxybutyrate (bhb)

Return to the main herbal interaction checker page

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC