What is the Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Test?
The Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) test measures the levels of a ketone body in your blood. BHB is a byproduct created when your body breaks down fat for energy, particularly during periods of low carbohydrate intake like when you are on a keto diet.
This makes it a key blood test for those following a ketogenic diet or a meat-based diet, where fat is the primary fuel source. Monitoring Beta-Hydroxybutyrate levels helps track how well your body is adapting to ketosis and using fat for energy.
Beta-Hydroxybutyrate For Keto Diets
The BHB test plays an essential role in gauging the effectiveness of a ketogenic diet, especially for people looking to burn fat and maintain ketosis. BHB levels rise when your liver turns fat into ketones. This stability makes BHB a reliable test of ketosis, helping individuals monitor whether their ketogenic or meat-based diet is working efficiently.
Keto diets can be too aggressive, leading to ketoacidosis, which is dangerous. That is why monitoring with beta-hydroxybutyrate is important.
Why Should You Consider Ordering the Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Blood Test?
If you’re following a ketogenic or keto diet, keeping tabs on your Beta-Hydroxybutyrate levels can ensure you’re staying in a fat-burning zone. BHB can also help monitor energy efficiency, as elevated levels indicate that your body is relying on fat as its primary fuel source. It’s the best way to monitor a ketogenic diet, allowing you to fine-tune your intake of fats and carbs for optimal results.
Keto diets are not for everyone. That’s why we’ve designed the ultimate keto diet lab test panel with multiple advanced blood tests to help ensure that a keto diet is right for you while also tracking your keto blood work during your keto diet journey.
Lab Test Included in Your Order
| Test Name | Reference Range | Biomarker Significance | Low and High Levels of BHB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) |
|
BHB is a key ketone body that serves as an alternative energy source during carbohydrate restriction, fat-burning, or fasting. It reflects how well your body is adapting to ketosis. | High: High levels of BHB may indicate deep ketosis, which could be due to a ketogenic diet or fasting. In diabetics, it may signal diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition.
Low: Low levels of BHB suggest your body may not be in ketosis or has insufficient fat metabolism. |
According to PubMed, beta-hydroxybutyrate is the most prevalent ketone body in the blood during ketosis, often making up over 70% of ketones. This makes it one of the best markers to monitor ketosis (keto diets).
Beta-Hydroxybutyrate FAQ
What is the Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Test for?
The BHB test checks the level of beta-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body, in your blood. It’s primarily used to monitor ketosis, the metabolic state where your body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates, commonly during a ketogenic or low-carb diet. Diabetics can also use the test to monitor their delicate metabolic state.
What are the signs and symptoms of elevated BHB?
Signs of elevated BHB include increased energy, weight loss, and a decreased appetite, which are typical of ketosis. However, extremely high levels in diabetics can indicate ketoacidosis, which may involve nausea, dehydration, and confusion. Monitoring with BHB or our Ultimate Keto Diet Lab Panel can help make sure ketoacidosis is never reached.
How often should I retest for BHB?
It’s recommended to monitor BHB levels regularly while on a ketogenic diet to ensure you’re maintaining ketosis. Frequency can vary, but testing every few weeks is common for ongoing monitoring.
How accurate is the test?
The BHB test is highly accurate and widely used for both clinical and dietary ketosis monitoring. It provides a reliable reflection of ketone levels in the blood.
Are test results private and confidential?
Receive test results securely on TrueHealthLabs.com under ‘My Account.’ It’s critical that you share them with your physician. Results may be disclosed to health authorities only if legally mandated. Review our privacy policy for details.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
