The Effects of Exogenous Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Supplementation on Metrics of Safety and Health

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein diet that will induce a state of ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state characterized by elevated ketone body production in response to the absence of carbohydrates. Some drawbacks of the ketogenic diet are that it can be difficult to adhere to due to its restrictive nature, and it can also cause some undesirable side effects like gastrointestinal distress and increases in apoB-lipoproteins. In order to maximize the benefit of ketosis and to minimize side effects, supplementing with exogenous beta-hydroxybutyrate may induce a state of temporary ketosis without undesirable side effects. In the present study, 22 healthy male and female adults consumed 12.75 grams of beta-hydroxybutyrate salts or maltodextrin placebo twice daily for 90 days. Comprehensive blood safety analysis, body composition, bone densitometry, psychological and immune surveys, and blood pressure were administered at baseline, 30, 60, and 90 days. There were no significant differences in any measures collected, indicating that exogenous beta-hydroxybutyrate had no detrimental impact on fasting blood values such as electrolyte levels, glucose, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood count, body composition, bone density, psychological well-being, immune status, or blood pressure. We conclude that supplementing with exogenous beta-hydroxybutyrate is safe and well-tolerated by healthy adults.