β-Hydroxybutyrate

ketone · digestive · Oral · IV

β-Hydroxybutyrate, a ketone. Principal circulating ketone body in fasting + ketogenic states. Produced by hepatic mitochondrial β-oxidation of… Oral half-life 2 h.

Principal circulating ketone body in fasting + ketogenic states. Produced by hepatic mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids when acetyl-CoA supply exceeds TCA-cycle capacity. Transported into most tissues via MCT1/2 (monocarboxylate transporters) and catabolised to acetyl-CoA for ATP production. R-BHB (the natural enantiomer) is metabolically active; L-BHB has mainly signalling roles. Pharmacologic concentrations inhibit class I HDACs (HDAC1/2/3), explaining signalling effects beyond fuel use.

Pharmacokinetics

• Oral — t½ 2 h · F 95%
• IV — t½ 2 h · F 100%

Related compounds

• L-β-Hydroxybutyrate — caution

Sources: PMID:22561291, PMID:26893218