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Β-Hydroxybutyrate

Meaning

Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (β-Hydroxybutyrate or BHB) is one of the three primary ketone bodies produced by the liver, serving as a critical alternative fuel source for the brain and muscles during periods of carbohydrate restriction, fasting, or prolonged exercise. In the context of hormonal health, BHB is not merely a fuel but also a signaling molecule that can modulate gene expression, reduce oxidative stress, and influence the function of metabolic hormones like insulin and ghrelin. Its presence is a key indicator of metabolic flexibility.