Bis Hexanoyl (R)-1,3-Butanediol, a Novel Ketogenic Ester, Acutely Increases Circulating r- and s-ß-Hydroxybutyrate Concentrations in Healthy Adults

Eight healthy adults at rest took part in three randomized crossover conditions: 25 g of bis hexanoyl (R)-1,3-butanediol with a meal, 12.5 g with a meal, and 25 g fasted. Blood ketone and metabolite kinetics were followed for up to five hours. Peak r-BHB concentration and r-BHB area under the curve were greater with 25 g than with 12.5 g, urinary r-BHB excretion was under 1 g, and plasma s-BHB rose to 20 to 60 micromolar. BH-BD also lowered plasma glucose and free fatty acids, and insulin rose when it was taken with a meal.