The World’s Most Powerful Science Backed Ingredient.

SERIES 1 – THE FACTS ABOUT 1,3 BUTANEDIOL

Beta Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is considered the gold standard of clean cellular energy.

• BHB is more efficient than glucose at producing energy. It can be converted into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body’s main energy currency, more quickly and easily than glucose.
• BHB does not require insulin to carry it into the cell.
• BHB is preferred by the brain, heart, kidney, and almost every other cell in the body over glucose.
• BHB produces far less damaging free radicals (ROS) and increases levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein that helps to promote the growth and repair of cells.

The utilization of BHB in promoting superior performance and health is well documented.

What is 1,3 Butanediol? Chemically 1,3 butanediol IS AN ALCOHOL that can be converted through the liver into BHB. It ISN’T a ketone body like BHB. 1.3 butanediol is what you call a “ketone precursor,” a substance capable of converting into BHB in the liver to increase BHB levels in the blood. However, the ability of 1,3 butanediol to convert into BHB does not necessarily mean that supplementing with 1,3-butanediol will result in the desired increased levels of BHB in the blood or the side effects that come from the conversion.

The Process the Liver Goes Through to Convert 1,3-butanediol into BHB: Converting 1,3-butanediol into BHB must be done in the liver. Converting 1,3-butanediol to BHB is a complex enzymatic process that is subject to a variety of factors, including the individual’s metabolic state and the presence of other nutrients in the body necessary to fully metabolize the 1,3-butanediol. It cannot be directly absorbed into the blood like BHB. The conversion is done through a metabolic pathway known as the 1,3-butanediol pathway. In this pathway, because 1,3-butanediol is an alcohol, it must first be converted to beta-hydroxybutyraldehyde (BHBA) by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). BHBA must then be oxidized to form BHB by the enzyme beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (BDH).

The Energy Cost of Conversion: Converting 1,3 butanediol into BHB takes time and ATP energy. In a most recent study by NNB Labs entitled “The Impact of Different BHB Substates and Precursors on Liver ATP,” 1,3 butanediol consumed 89.1 mg/ min of ATP to convert 12.5g of 1,3 -butanediol into BHB. This is in contrast to BHB acid which provides 13.6 mg/min of ATP to the liver in transporting it into the blood within a 2 hour period of time. This equated to a comparative loss of 755% in ATP liver energy using 1,3, butanediol as a BHB source versus BHB acid in supplying BHB into the blood with similar dosages.

The Risks of 1,3, butanediol: While 1,3-butanediol is recognized as safe for consumption and even marketed as a vodka substitute (such as in products like Ketohol), its classification as an alcohol raises potential concerns. Similar to other alcohols, it necessitates processing by the liver, which could impact liver function over time. Additionally, from a performance perspective, 1,3-butanediol may pose challenges due to its impact on ATP energy levels, potentially impairing physical and cognitive function compared to non- alcoholic BHB sources.

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Here are some of the key concerns of 1,3 Butanediol:

1. Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can impair athletic performance, as it can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and decreased endurance.
2. Impaired coordination: Alcohol can impair coordination, reaction time, and balance. This can be dangerous for athletes who require precision and coordination.
3. Reduced muscle growth and recovery: Alcohol consumption can reduce protein synthesis, which is the process by which muscles grow and repair. This can lead to slower recovery times after exercise and reduced muscle growth over time.
4. Decreased endurance: Alcohol consumption can decrease endurance and performance during aerobic exercise, such as running or cycling.
5. Reduced mental focus: Alcohol consumption can impair cognitive function and reduce mental focus, making it more difficult for athletes to concentrate and perform at their best.

The Side Effects of 1,3 butanediol: The literature also identifies 1,3-butandiol can cause a range of adverse health effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and loss of coordination. Additionally, long term consumption of 1,3-Butanediol has been linked to the development of liver and kidney damage, as well as respiratory problems such as asthma.

Here are a few studies highlighting the risks of using 1,3 butanediol:

• In a recent study presented at the 4th International Keto Live® Conference in Switzerland, conducted by Csilla Ari, Dominic D’Agostino, and Zsolt Kovacs, called “Review of exogenous ketone supplements with enantiomer and concentration dependent effects,” showed the liver damage after administration of 1, 3, butanediol and ketone esters after 100 days in tissue histology. This is in contrast to administration of ketone salts (which contain BHB acid + electrolytes), and noted these are the most suitable exogenous ketones for chronic administration.
• A study published in the journal “Clinical Toxicology” in 2006 found that 1,3-butanediol can cause kidney damage in rats. The study found that rats that were given high doses of 1,3-butanediol for 12 weeks had significant damage to their kidneys. This damage was similar to the damage that is seen in people who have kidney disease.
• A study published in the journal “Neurotoxicology and Teratology” in 2008 found that 1,3-butanediol can cause neurotoxicity in rats. The study found that rats that were given high doses of 1,3-butanediol for 12 weeks had significant damage to their brains and spinal cords. This damage led to neurological problems, such as seizures, coma, and death.

The Taste is Horrible: Beyond 1,3 butanediol’s reduced effectiveness and inherent risks compared to BHB acid, 1,3-butanediol has an incredibly unpleasant taste. It is often described as having a very chemical or medicinal after taste, while BHB acid is often described as having a more natural or slightly sweet fruity taste. And from a price perspective, 1,3 butanediol is more expensive per gram than BHB acid in either a liquid or electrolyte acid powder form.

The Choice is Clear: 1,3 butanediol is a “want to be BHB,” and is no match for the authentic, gold standard of clean cellular energy of BHB.