Brigham Young University made history at the 2024 NCAA Cross Country Championships by winning both the men’s and women’s titles—an achievement fueled in part by goBHB ketone supplementation. As athletes pushed the limits of endurance, focus, and recovery, goBHB emerged as a key factor behind their peak performance, signaling a new chapter in sports nutrition and competitive training.
By: Marc Lobliner, IFBB Pro
Ketones have come a long way from being misunderstood as a “starvation fuel.” We now know that β-Hydroxybutyrate (β-HB)—especially in its exogenous form, goBHB®—has powerful effects on muscle performance, mitochondrial function, and overall recovery.
A recent peer-reviewed study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences dug into the direct effects of β-HB on skeletal muscle cells. The results are something every serious lifter, athlete, or performance-driven individual needs to hear.
This wasn’t just another observational study. Researchers directly treated skeletal muscle cells with β-Hydroxybutyrate and found:
Improved Mitochondrial Efficiency
Mitochondria produce energy (ATP). The study showed that β-HB increases mitochondrial respiration and improves the Respiratory Control Ratio (RCR)—a gold-standard metric for mitochondrial health. All of this occurred without increasing oxidative stress, and in fact, reduced cellular emissions of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a damaging free radical.
Increased Muscle Cell Viability
Treated cells showed enhanced resilience, surviving and even thriving under lab-induced stress. This suggests β-HB may protect muscle tissue under intense training or during caloric restriction.
Enhanced Mitochondrial Fusion and Reduced Inflammation
Healthy mitochondria prefer to “fuse” rather than fragment, which is linked to better energy production and reduced cellular inflammation. β-HB encouraged this fusion and lowered intracellular ceramide levels—pro-inflammatory compounds that impair insulin sensitivity and contribute to metabolic disease.
Your body naturally produces β-HB during fasting, ketogenic diets, or high-fat/low-carb intake. But unless you’re deep into ketosis, those levels are typically too low to see the kinds of benefits this study showed.
That’s where goBHB®—a patented, stable, exogenous form of β-Hydroxybutyrate—comes in. goBHB® raises your blood ketone levels rapidly, without requiring you to eliminate carbs or fast for 72 hours.
Unlike generic ketone salts, goBHB® is backed by safety data, bioavailability studies, and is produced to clinical-grade standards.
To experience the performance and recovery benefits seen in this research, here’s how to incorporate goBHB® into your daily routine:
Dose: 6–12g per day, depending on body weight and training intensity
Timing:
Pre-workout for clean energy without a crash
Intra-workout for endurance and reduced fatigue
Post-workout to support mitochondrial recovery and muscle preservation
Consistency: Daily use is recommended for mitochondrial and metabolic support—even on non-training days
One of the easiest ways to get your daily dose is through Rev7, our fast-acting HEALTHY energy drink featuring goBHB®. Rev7 delivers clean, crash-free energy that supports both your muscles and your mind—whether you’re lifting, running, or grinding through your workday.
This isn’t about keto. It’s about energy—real, cellular energy. goBHB® doesn’t just provide fuel—it helps your body run better, recover faster, and perform harder. We now have human cell data showing how this compound boosts mitochondrial efficiency, preserves muscle tissue, and reduces stress at the cellular level.
That means more strength, more endurance, and better recovery for the long haul.
Whether you’re an athlete, a bodybuilder, or someone who just wants to function at a higher level, goBHB® is a powerful tool. The science is clear: β-Hydroxybutyrate supports the systems that drive performance from the inside out.
With options like Rev7, you don’t need a restrictive diet or a six-hour fast to unlock those benefits. You just need a smart, proven ingredient—delivered the right way.
Start fueling your performance at the mitochondrial level.
goBHB®. Real energy. Real results.
What if everything you’ve heard about the keto diet is only half the story?
Dr. Benjamin Bikman reveals the real science behind ketosis and insulin sensitivity and why going keto can transform your body in ways most people don’t understand. From preserving muscle to boosting brain function and gut health, this clip cuts through the hype and delivers the truth about how keto really works—and when it might not.
By: Marc Lobliner, IFBB Pro
The conversation around female health is finally evolving—and it’s about time. While most wellness trends have focused on restrictive diets or hormonal quick fixes, one powerful tool has remained largely underutilized in women’s health: goBHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate). This naturally occurring ketone body has been clinically studied for its impact on energy, metabolic health, brain function, and even hormonal regulation—making it a perfect fit for the unique physiological needs of women.
What Is goBHB?
goBHB is the bioavailable, exogenous form of beta-hydroxybutyrate—the primary ketone your liver produces during fat metabolism. Unlike endogenous ketones that require fasting or strict ketogenic dieting, goBHB provides immediate ketone energy without carb restriction. This makes it uniquely accessible for busy, active women who want the cognitive and metabolic benefits of ketosis—without overhauling their entire lifestyle.
Metabolic Health and Blood Sugar Regulation
One of the most powerful benefits of goBHB for women is its ability to improve metabolic flexibility and support healthy blood glucose levels. Women are more likely than men to suffer from insulin resistance, particularly during periods of hormonal fluctuation such as PCOS, pregnancy, or menopause. Elevated blood sugar and insulin dysregulation are major contributors to weight gain, fatigue, and long-term health risks like Type 2 diabetes.
Clinical studies suggest that beta-hydroxybutyrate can:
Lower fasting insulin levels
Improve glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity
Support fat oxidation for energy
goBHB helps shift the body away from glucose dependency and toward fat utilization, which can be a game-changer for women struggling with stubborn weight or energy crashes.
Hormonal Harmony: The Ketone-Hormone Connection
Women’s hormonal cycles can significantly influence energy, appetite, mood, and performance. Unlike the male endocrine system, which is relatively stable, the female cycle is dynamic and highly sensitive to nutrition and stress. Here’s where goBHB shines:
Estrogen & Progesterone Balance: Fluctuations in these hormones throughout the menstrual cycle can impact insulin sensitivity, mood, and water retention. Ketones may help stabilize mood and reduce inflammation that worsens PMS symptoms.
PCOS Support: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 10% of women and is closely tied to insulin resistance. goBHB provides a non-stimulant fuel source that supports glucose regulation and fat burning without stressing the adrenals.
Perimenopause and Menopause: As estrogen declines, women often experience weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, and decreased muscle mass. Ketones support cognitive function, muscle preservation, and stable energy during this hormonal transition.
Mental Clarity and Cognitive Performance
Brain fog, anxiety, and mood swings are all-too-common complaints among women—especially during hormonal shifts or under chronic stress. goBHB provides a clean-burning fuel source for the brain, bypassing insulin resistance and energizing neurons directly.
Benefits include:
Improved short-term memory and focus
Reduced anxiety and improved mood stability
Enhanced productivity and multitasking capability
In fact, beta-hydroxybutyrate has been shown to elevate levels of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), a key protein involved in neuroplasticity and mental resilience.
Energy and Physical Performance
Unlike caffeine or sugar, which spike and crash energy, goBHB offers sustained, stable fuel that powers both body and mind. For active women juggling work, workouts, and family life, this can be the key to consistent performance without burnout.
In fitness contexts, goBHB has been shown to:
Improve endurance by preserving glycogen
Enhance fat oxidation during exercise
Support faster post-exercise recovery
Because it spares muscle and supports mitochondrial health, goBHB is also beneficial during fasted training or cutting cycles when women are trying to lean out without losing muscle.
Appetite Regulation and Cravings
Let’s face it: women are often hit harder by cravings—especially during the luteal phase (pre-period). goBHB helps reduce ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and stabilize blood sugar, which blunts cravings and supports long-term dietary adherence.
A dose of goBHB before a high-risk eating window (e.g., afternoon slump or post-dinner snack attack) can:
Reduce emotional and hormonal cravings
Improve portion control
Promote a more mindful, balanced eating experience
Anti-Inflammatory and Longevity Effects
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many conditions that disproportionately affect women: autoimmune diseases, thyroid dysfunction, joint pain, and mood disorders. goBHB exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome, a major driver of systemic inflammation.
Other longevity-promoting benefits:
Supports mitochondrial biogenesis
Improves antioxidant status
Reduces oxidative stress on brain and muscle tissue
These mechanisms may help women preserve cognitive function, joint health, and muscular vitality well into their later decades.
Is It Safe?
goBHB has been studied extensively and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). It’s non-stimulant, non-habit forming, and effective at relatively low doses. Unlike synthetic stimulants or hormone-manipulating drugs, it works with the body’s natural systems to enhance performance, health, and wellbeing.
How to Use It
For general female wellness:
Daily Dose: 3–6g goBHB in the morning or early afternoon
Pre-Workout: 15–30 minutes before training for enhanced performance
Craving Control: Mid-afternoon or evening to blunt hunger and stabilize energy
Look for clean formulas like Rev7 that provide therapeutic doses of goBHB without added sugar or excessive caffeine.
Final Thoughts
Women deserve more than quick fixes and overhyped hacks. We deserve science-backed solutions that support every phase of our lives—from hormonal cycles to motherhood to menopause. goBHB offers a unique, safe, and effective tool to enhance female health in a sustainable, functional way.
Whether you’re chasing goals in the gym, at work, or in daily life—goBHB is the edge that helps you feel focused, energized, and in control.
The future of female wellness isn’t about restriction. It’s about fuel. And goBHB delivers exactly that.
Are Energy Drinks Killing Your Gains? Let’s Talk Science
By: Marc Lobliner, IFBB Pro
A recent peer-reviewed study published in Scientific Reports (Nature, 2023) sent shockwaves through the fitness and performance world. Researchers found that several leading commercial energy drinks suppressed muscle cell growth and differentiation by over 90% in vitro. Yes, you read that right—over 90% suppression of muscle development in a controlled lab environment.
Let’s be clear: this was an in vitro (cell culture) study, not a clinical trial. That means it was conducted outside of the human body, in a petri dish, not in people. But that doesn’t mean we should ignore it. If anything, it’s a loud wake-up call.
Muscle regeneration and hypertrophy require more than just training and protein. Cellular energy, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and hormonal signaling all play a role. If your daily energy drink is potentially disrupting these processes, we have a real problem. Most people drink these for performance, recovery, or mental focus—but what if the very thing you’re relying on is sabotaging your results?
Most energy drinks are stim-heavy sugar bombs or artificial ingredient cocktails. They mask fatigue with caffeine and crash your system with synthetic additives. That’s not energy—that’s a nervous system hijack. And if those same ingredients are shown to inhibit muscle repair, it’s not just ineffective—it’s counterproductive. It’s time we start demanding more from our functional beverages.
This is where goBHB changes everything.
goBHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate) is a naturally occurring ketone body that your body can use for immediate energy. Unlike caffeine, it doesn’t work by stimulation. Unlike sugar, it doesn’t cause insulin spikes and crashes. It bypasses the need for glucose and fuels your body directly—clean, efficient, and powerful.
Here’s what makes goBHB a game-changer:
✅ Rapid energy production – Provides a fast, clean energy source without the jitters or crash of caffeine.
✅ Mental clarity and focus – Crosses the blood-brain barrier to enhance cognitive function and support sharp thinking.
✅ Preserves muscle mass – Supplies energy in a way that spares muscle protein, especially during fasted training or calorie restriction.
✅ Improves endurance – Delivers a steady fuel source that enhances aerobic performance and delays fatigue.
✅ Supports recovery – Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation post-training, which supports muscle repair and immune function.
✅ Appetite control – Can help blunt hunger and reduce cravings during dieting phases.
✅ Improves insulin sensitivity – May enhance metabolic health and glucose control, especially in insulin-resistant individuals.
✅ Elevates mood and reduces brain fog – Supports neurotransmitter balance and energy metabolism in the brain.
✅ No stimulant tolerance – Unlike caffeine, your body doesn’t adapt or build a tolerance to ketone bodies.
✅ Supports mitochondrial function – Fuels the powerhouse of the cell directly, which can support cellular longevity and energy efficiency.
Innovative drinks like Rev7 are pioneering this space. Instead of relying on caffeine and cheap fillers, Rev7 uses goBHB to deliver sustained energy that supports your performance without compromising your gains. This isn’t theory—this is biochemistry backed by cutting-edge research. And the best part? It works whether you’re keto, low-carb, or on a standard diet. goBHB is universally effective because it’s a fuel source, not a fad.
Let’s be honest: we’ve accepted energy drinks that give us the illusion of productivity, but they often leave us worse off than before. The future of energy isn’t built on stimulation—it’s built on metabolic enhancement.
If you care about building muscle, recovering faster, staying mentally sharp, and optimizing performance, you need to start asking: is your energy drink working with your body, or against it?
The future isn’t about hype. It’s about function. And goBHB is leading the way.
Unlocking Cellular Power: The Synergy of Methylene Blue and goBHB®
By: Marc Lobliner, IFBB Pro
You’ve got your caffeine. You’ve got your creatine. But if you’re still tired, foggy, inflamed, or recovering slower than you should — it’s time to dig deeper.
The truth is, most people are running on broken mitochondria. And if your mitochondria are weak, it doesn’t matter how “clean” your diet is or how many hours you train — your body can’t perform, repair, or evolve at its highest level.
That’s where the dynamic duo of methylene blue and goBHB® comes in. Separately, they’re powerful. Together? They form a performance-enhancing, brain-boosting, recovery-speeding stack that’s in a class of its own.
Let’s break down the synergy.
Methylene Blue: The Mitochondrial Mechanic
Methylene blue is one of the oldest drugs still in use today — and it’s having a renaissance in modern biohacking and clinical research.
Originally used to treat malaria, methylene blue was found to improve mitochondrial function by shuttling electrons directly in the electron transport chain (ETC), specifically at complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase). That means when your mitochondria are stressed, sluggish, or underpowered, methylene blue steps in to restore electron flow and boost ATP output.
Research shows that methylene blue:
It crosses the blood-brain barrier with ease and supports cognition, mood, and energy without any stimulant crash.
goBHB®: The Body’s Native Clean Fuel
goBHB® is a patented exogenous form of beta-hydroxybutyrate, the primary ketone body your liver produces when you’re in ketosis. It’s also one of the cleanest, most efficient fuels your body can run on.
Unlike glucose, which creates more oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS), BHB produces more energy per molecule with less metabolic waste. That means you can train harder, think clearer, and recover faster — especially during fasting, low-carb, or caloric restriction phases.
goBHB® has been shown to:
So while methylene blue enhances mitochondrial machinery, goBHB fuels it. Together, they create the perfect storm for peak metabolic output.
Synergy in Action: 5 Ways They Work Better Together
1. Mitochondrial Power-Up
goBHB provides acetyl-CoA and electrons to power the Krebs cycle and ETC.
Methylene blue keeps the ETC functioning smoothly, especially when oxidative damage or low oxygen impairs it.
This tag-team results in a major increase in ATP and cellular resilience.
2. Brain Optimization
goBHB supports GABA production and increases BDNF, helping you feel calm, focused, and motivated.
Methylene blue has been shown to increase working memory, enhance learning retention, and improve cerebral blood flow.
Together, they enhance both the structure and function of brain cells.
3. Stress Resilience and Inflammation Control
goBHB suppresses inflammation at a genetic level by inhibiting NF-κB and the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Methylene blue reduces ROS while also protecting neurons from apoptosis.
Stack them, and you’re building a defensive shield against neuroinflammation and burnout.
4. Longevity Support
Both compounds increase NAD+ availability, essential for DNA repair, cellular signaling, and longevity.
Methylene blue acts as a redox mediator, reducing mitochondrial damage.
BHB mimics fasting signals, activating SIRT1 and AMPK pathways.
It’s like getting the benefits of fasting, meditation, and endurance training without needing to suffer.
5. Physical Performance and Recovery
goBHB is a direct, oxygen-efficient energy source for skeletal muscle during high-intensity or endurance exercise.
Methylene blue enhances muscular oxygen utilization and can increase VO2 max in animal models.
Athletes using the stack report improved work capacity, better pumps, and faster recovery post-training.
Bonus Synergy: Neuroprotection Meets Fat Loss
What’s wild is that both compounds share overlapping benefits in cognitive protection and metabolic function.
BHB promotes ketogenesis and lipolysis, while methylene blue supports dopamine, which impacts motivation and physical output.
Combined, they may help optimize neurotransmitters while burning fat — making them ideal for entrepreneurs, athletes, and high-performers alike.
How to Stack It
For best results, take together in the morning or early afternoon. Pair with hydration and electrolytes.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t hype. It’s biochemistry.
The methylene blue and goBHB® stack hits cellular energy production from two sides — boosting machinery and feeding it superior fuel. For high-performers looking to push the limits of what’s possible — mentally and physically — this is a protocol worth exploring.
Forget band-aid energy hacks. This is deep, cellular-level optimization.
References:
I’m not here to sell you hype — I’m here to give you facts.
There’s a dangerous shortcut floating around the supplement industry right now: 1,3-butanediol (BDO). You’ll see it in ketone drinks and powders that promise fast energy and better fat-burning. But here’s the deal — BDO is a synthetic alcohol, not a nutrient, and we’ve got real reason to question its safety, especially when it comes to your kidneys, liver, and overall metabolic health.
The alternative? goBHB® — a ketone salt that’s been proven safe and effective, with real data behind it. If you care about performance and long-term health, this isn’t just a minor ingredient debate — this is a line in the sand.
1,3-Butanediol is a synthetic diol compound used as a ketone precursor. Your liver converts it into beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) — but through a metabolic process that involves hepatic stress and alcohol-like pathways.
It’s cheap and influencers are paid to promote it. That’s why brands use it.
But let’s be clear: BDO is chemically related to GHB, and when taken in high doses, it’s not just a ketone precursor — it behaves like a sedative, often leaving people feeling dizzy, nauseated, or hungover.
So the real question becomes: is spiking your blood ketones worth the systemic stress you’re putting your body through to get there?
There isn’t a lot of long-term human safety data on 1,3-butanediol. That should be a red flag right away.
Most of what we know comes from animal studies and extrapolations. For example:
A 2019 Toxicology Letters study found that repeated exposure to high doses of 1,3-butanediol led to renal tubular degeneration in rats — especially in the context of dehydration or protein overload, which mirrors what a lot of athletes experience (Morrison et al., 2019).
Some human users report GI distress, fogginess, and fatigue after BDO use. That’s consistent with its alcohol-like properties. Remember — this isn’t like drinking ketones. It’s like drinking a chemical that your body has to convert into ketones, and that comes at a cost.
And no — despite what some might claim, there isn’t a peer-reviewed, controlled human study showing that 1,3-butanediol is safe for daily use in high-performance populations. Not yet.
Here’s where things get serious.
Some people have claimed that BDO raises markers of kidney stress like serum creatinine or blood urea nitrogen (BUN) — but those specific outcomes haven’t been formally documented in humans yet.
That said, BDO’s conversion pathway creates intermediary compounds that your kidneys have to filter, and in states of high metabolic demand or low hydration, that could be a problem — especially over time. It’s why people with compromised kidney function are advised to avoid sugar alcohols and similar compounds altogether.
This is where goBHB® stands apart — because it bypasses that whole toxic conversion step.
Unlike BDO, goBHB® is GRAS-certified (Generally Recognized As Safe) and has been extensively tested in humans.
It’s a ketone salt — meaning the BHB is already bioavailable and doesn’t require conversion through the liver or alcohol-based intermediates. This means no GABAergic sedation, no mystery byproducts, and no risk of an “overdose” effect.
Here’s what the research shows:
goBHB® increases mental clarity and brain energy, even in aging populations (Fortier et al., 2021)
It supports endurance and fat oxidation in athletes (Cox et al., 2016)
It reduces inflammation via inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome (Youm et al., 2015)
And — importantly — it shows no negative effects on kidney or liver markers in clinical use
Bottom line: it works, and it’s safe.
I’m not just talking science — I’m talking what I trust for myself, my athletes, and my family.
If you’re training hard, dieting, fasting, and doing everything right — why would you compromise it with a synthetic shortcut that could stress your kidneys or fog up your brain?
goBHB® is clean, proven, and gives you everything you want from ketones — energy, mental clarity, fat oxidation, appetite control — without gambling with your long-term health.
1,3-butanediol? It’s not worth the risk. Period.
Morrison, M., et al. (2019). “Toxicological assessment of repeated exposure to 1,3-butanediol.” Toxicology Letters, 313, 20–28.
Fortier, M., et al. (2021). “A ketogenic drink improves brain energy and cognitive function in MCI patients.” Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 17(3), 543–552.
Youm, Y.-H., et al. (2015). “The ketone metabolite β-hydroxybutyrate blocks NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammation.” Nature Medicine, 21(3), 263–269.
Cox, P. J., et al. (2016). “Nutritional ketosis alters fuel preference and endurance performance in athletes.” Cell Metabolism, 24(2), 256–268.
By Marc Lobliner
Let’s be real — fasting works. It helps with fat loss, brain function, and even longevity. But let’s be even more real — not everyone has time, patience, or the lifestyle to fast every day. And frankly, some people just feel like garbage when they skip meals.
That’s where goBHB® comes in — a patented form of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) that gives you the benefits of fasting without starving yourself. This isn’t hype. This is real science.
goBHB® is a ready-to-use ketone salt. Your body normally produces BHB when you fast or go keto — but this stuff skips the line. You take it, and boom: your body is flooded with clean, efficient fuel.
It’s absorbed fast, doesn’t spike insulin, and gives you that ketogenic advantage even if you ate carbs an hour ago (Stubbs et al., 2017).
BHB is a super fuel — more efficient than glucose and way cleaner. It gives you more ATP per molecule and produces fewer free radicals in the process (Veech, 2004).
That’s not just good for workouts — it’s good for your brain. Studies show BHB improves mental clarity, memory, and even protects your neurons long-term (Kashiwaya et al., 2010; Fortier et al., 2021).
You’ve heard about autophagy, AMPK, and sirtuins — those buzzwords that get thrown around in every “longevity hack” video. Well, BHB hits a lot of the same switches.
It activates AMPK — your cell’s energy sensor
It inhibits HDACs, which turns on genes related to stress resistance and metabolism (Shimazu et al., 2013)
It ramps up FOXO and PGC-1α, which help with repair and regeneration (Newman & Verdin, 2014)
Bottom line: BHB doesn’t do everything fasting does, but it mimics a ton of the important stuff.
One of the biggest benefits of fasting is reduced inflammation — and BHB has this nailed.
It literally blocks the NLRP3 inflammasome — a major driver of inflammation linked to heart disease, obesity, and aging (Youm et al., 2015). If you’re inflamed, you’re not recovering. And if you’re not recovering, you’re not growing.
People think taking a ketone supplement is just for keto dieters. Nope.
goBHB® enhances fat oxidation even in people who eat carbs (Cox et al., 2016). It can help stabilize blood sugar, reduce cravings, and improve insulin sensitivity. You’re basically flipping the metabolic switch without going through the painful 3-day keto flu.
Low blood sugar at night can wake you up. That’s why people sleep better in ketosis. BHB keeps energy stable, feeds your brain, and promotes GABA activity — the neurotransmitter that calms you down.
And remember: recovery is everything. You don’t grow in the gym — you grow when you sleep. goBHB® supports that.
| Benefit | Fasting | goBHB® |
|---|---|---|
| Ketone production | ✅ | ✅ |
| Clean mitochondrial fuel | ✅ | ✅ |
| Activates AMPK/SIRT1 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Direct autophagy | ✅ | ❌ |
| Lowers inflammation | ✅ | ✅ |
| Boosts brain performance | ✅ | ✅ |
| Requires skipping meals | ✅ | ❌ |
Look, I’m not saying skip fasting forever. But if you’re training hard, grinding at work, raising a family — or just don’t want to go full monk mode every week — goBHB® is your shortcut.
It’s real ketones, backed by science, and it works.
Veech, R. L. (2004). The therapeutic implications of ketone bodies: the effects of ketone bodies in pathological conditions: ketosis, ketogenic diet, redox states, insulin resistance, and mitochondrial metabolism. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 70(3), 309–319.
Kashiwaya, Y., et al. (2010). A ketone ester diet exhibits anxiolytic and cognition-sparing properties and lessens amyloid and tau pathologies in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurobiology of Aging, 34(6), 1530–1539.
Shimazu, T., et al. (2013). Suppression of oxidative stress by β-hydroxybutyrate, an endogenous histone deacetylase inhibitor. Science, 339(6116), 211–214.
Youm, Y.-H., et al. (2015). The ketone metabolite β-hydroxybutyrate blocks NLRP3 inflammasome–mediated inflammatory disease. Nature Medicine, 21(3), 263–269.
Newman, J. C., & Verdin, E. (2014). Ketone bodies as signaling metabolites. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 25(1), 42–52.
Fortier, M., et al. (2021). A ketogenic drink improves brain energy and some measures of cognition in mild cognitive impairment. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 17(3), 543–552.
Marosi, K., et al. (2016). 3-Hydroxybutyrate regulates energy metabolism and induces BDNF expression in cerebral cortical neurons. Journal of Neurochemistry, 139(5), 769–781.
Cox, P. J., et al. (2016). Nutritional ketosis alters fuel preference and thereby endurance performance in athletes. Cell Metabolism, 24(2), 256–268.
Stubbs, B. J., et al. (2017). On the metabolism of exogenous ketones in humans. Frontiers in Physiology, 8, 848.
Fortier, M., et al. (2021). A ketogenic drink improves brain energy and some measures of cognition in mild cognitive impairment. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 17(3), 543–552.
Marosi, K., et al. (2016). 3-Hydroxybutyrate regulates energy metabolism and induces BDNF expression in cerebral cortical neurons. Journal of Neurochemistry, 139(5), 769–781.
Cox, P. J., et al. (2016). Nutritional ketosis alters fuel preference and thereby endurance performance in athletes. Cell Metabolism, 24(2), 256–268.
Stubbs, B. J., et al. (2017). On the metabolism of exogenous ketones in humans. Frontiers in Physiology, 8, 848.
By: Marc Lobliner, IFBB Pro
Let’s cut through the hype.
You’ve probably seen ketone supplements all over your feed, with companies promising more energy, mental clarity, fat loss, and athletic performance. And yeah, ketones can be powerful. But not all ketones are created equal — and some of the stuff being pushed today could actually hurt you in the long run. I’m talking specifically about 1,3-butanediol.
What is 1,3-Butanediol, and Why Are People Using It?
1,3-butanediol (BDO) is a synthetic alcohol compound that your liver can convert into beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), one of the main ketones your body uses during ketosis.
On the surface, it sounds good. A shortcut to ketones without changing your diet? But here’s the problem — BDO isn’t a ketone. It’s a precursor that your liver has to process, and that process can be messy, inefficient, and potentially dangerous.
The Research is Clear: Long-Term 1,3-Butanediol Use Can Be Toxic
Animal studies show that high doses of 1,3-butanediol — around 20% concentration in water — can cause metabolic acidosis. That’s a condition where your blood becomes too acidic, which can be seriously harmful. On top of that, researchers found signs of liver stress: sinusoidal dilation, abnormal liver weight, and disrupted organ function
(Soto et al., 2022 – Nutrients).
Even at lower doses (5–10%), it didn’t significantly elevate BHB levels. So now you’re taking something that either doesn’t work — or works at a dose that wrecks your liver. That’s a no-go.
You Might Feel Something… But It’s Not Ketosis
Some users report a buzz, dizziness, or even mild euphoria after taking BDO. That’s not enhanced cognition or focus — that’s the alcohol-like effects of the compound. Because let’s not forget: 1,3-butanediol is a diol alcohol. It’s structurally more similar to antifreeze than actual ketones.
In a 2023 study, people taking it reported nausea and dizziness, especially when the dose wasn’t split into smaller portions
(Smith et al., 2023 – Frontiers in Physiology).
And Let’s Be Honest… It Tastes Like Trash
Forget what the label says. No amount of sweeteners or flavor masking can hide the fact that 1,3-butanediol tastes awful. It’s been described as bitter, oily, and metallic — almost like nail polish remover with a dash of syrup.
Taste might not seem like the biggest issue, but if you have to choke it down every time, you’re not going to stay consistent. And if the only way to make it “palatable” is by burying it under a ton of artificial junk, what’s the point?
goBHB®, on the other hand, is actually easy to flavor — and you can take it consistently without gagging.
Here’s the Truth: goBHB® Is the Only Real Ketone Supplement Worth Taking
goBHB® is actual beta-hydroxybutyrate — the real ketone your body uses. It’s not a precursor. It doesn’t need to be processed by your liver. Your body absorbs and uses it immediately.
Research shows that goBHB®:
• Raises blood ketone levels rapidly and consistently
(Ratelle et al., 2021 – Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition)
• Improves mental focus and clarity
• Reduces perceived exertion during workouts
• Supports blood sugar and metabolic health
It’s safe, it works fast, and it’s been studied in both adults and adolescents. No liver stress. No acid buildup. No alcohol-like side effects.
So Why Are Companies Still Pushing 1,3-Butanediol?
Because it’s cheaper and because they pay people to talk about it – that’s it.
You’re paying for that shortcut with your health — and your taste buds. That’s not acceptable.
When I create a supplement — whether it’s protein, creatine, or ketones — I only use ingredients I’d give to my family. I trust goBHB® because it works. It’s safe. And it’s what the research supports.
Final Take
If you want real ketone energy without the risk, go with goBHB®. It’s the only exogenous ketone that delivers what it promises — clean energy, sharper focus, and real results without the nasty side effects, liver toxicity, or disgusting taste.
1,3-butanediol? Leave it where it belongs — in a chemistry lab.
Sources:
1. Soto, J. et al. (2022). Chronic Ketone Supplementation with 1,3-Butanediol Alters Hepatic Gene Expression and Metabolite Profiles in Mice. Nutrients, 14(12), 2485.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9164310
2. Smith, C. et al. (2023). Effects of Dosing Strategy on Tolerance and Ketosis from Exogenous Ketone Diols in Humans. Frontiers in Physiology, 14.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2023.1195702/full
3. Ratelle, J. et al. (2021). Safety and Tolerability of Ketone Supplementation in Healthy Adolescents. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 1–13.