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BHB

Meaning

BHB is the universally accepted acronym for Beta-Hydroxybutyrate, which constitutes one of the three primary ketone bodies synthesized by the liver, typically occurring during periods of significant carbohydrate restriction, prolonged fasting, or sustained, intense physical exercise. This crucial molecule functions as a highly efficient, alternative energy substrate for both the brain and various peripheral tissues when the primary fuel, glucose, is scarce or inaccessible. Clinically, a quantifiable elevation in BHB levels signifies a state of nutritional ketosis, a metabolic shift associated with profound improvements in insulin sensitivity and neurological function.