Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), is one of the three ketone bodies (energy molecules) your body makes when it’s running on fat instead of carbs. It’s also known as 3-hydroxybutyric acid or 3-hydroxybutanoic acid (3HB).

The three main ketones your body makes from fatty acids are:

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). This is the most abundant, making up to 78% of total ketones in the blood.

Acetoacetate (AcAc). It makes up around 20% of ketones in the blood.

Acetone. The least abundant, making about 2% of ketones in the blood. It’s not used for energy.

Both BHB and acetone are derived from acetoacetate (AcAc), however, BHB is the main ketone used for energy because it’s extremely stable and abundant, while acetone is lost through respiration and sweat.

Your body makes two types of BHB

D-BHB: This is the one your cells use for efficient energy and its produced in high amounts. It’s responsible for the anti-aging effects of total BHB.

L-BHB: This one is produced in lower quantities and can’t be used for energy as efficiently as D-BHB. It’s more helpful in the synthesis of fatty acids.

Ketosis is the metabolic state of using ketones — both BHB and AcAc — for energy instead of glucose.

If you’re wondering — why would I need to switch fuels?

The answer is simple: BHB works better. It’s not unnatural or harmful — in fact, it’s the opposite.