BHB Acid–Sodium 3-Hydroxybutyrate Complex for Stable Ketone Supplements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ketone body supplements, such as β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) and its salts, face issues of strong acidity, high hygroscopicity, gastrointestinal side effects, electrolyte imbalance, and unpleasant taste, limiting their use in ketogenic dietary supplements.
Innovation Solution
A complex of 3-hydroxybutyric acid and sodium 3-hydroxybutyrate is formulated with specific ratios and preparation methods to address these issues, resulting in a crystalline form with controlled hygroscopicity and stability, avoiding acidity and electrolyte imbalance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If β-hydroxybutyric acid is used as an exogenous ketone supplement, then ketone supply is provided, but strong acidity limits the amount and concentration that can be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a co-solvent system (glycerol, propylene glycol, or vegetable oil) as an intermediary medium to dissolve both the acidic β-hydroxybutyric acid and the salt component. This intermediary solvent system allows the acidic substance to be delivered without directly contacting the gastrointestinal tract in high concentrations, thereby reducing the harmful acidic effects while maintaining the ketone supply function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite supplement formulation containing β-hydroxybutyric acid, its salt form, and co-solvents in specific ratios. This composite material combines the ketogenic benefits of the acid with the electrolyte benefits of the salt, while the co-solvents bind the components together and reduce the harsh acidic impact on the digestive system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If β-hydroxybutyric acid salts are used to solve acidity problems, then acidity is reduced, but electrolyte imbalance occurs due to salt overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the ratio between the acid form and salt form of β-hydroxybutyrate, as well as the concentration of electrolytes in the formulation. By adjusting these parameters within specific ranges, the formulation achieves sufficient acidity reduction while preventing electrolyte overload and maintaining proper electrolyte balance for safe supplementation.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple physical mixing of BHB acid and salt is performed, then formulation is simple, but uniform mixing is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The co-solvent system acts as an intermediary that facilitates uniform distribution of the acid and salt components throughout the formulation. The glycerol, propylene glycol, or vegetable oil creates a homogeneous medium where all components can be evenly dispersed, solving the mixing uniformity problem while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a complex of 3-hydroxybutyric acid and sodium 3-hydroxybutyrate and a preparation method thereof. The complex provided by the invention effectively solves the acid/salt load and gastrointestinal side effects associated with the existing products, has good taste comfort, and has a good ketogenic effect, and can be better used as a dietary or nutritional supplement.