Buffered Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Foodstuff for Ketone Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current compositions and methods for achieving nutritional ketosis face limitations due to gastric degradation, bioavailability issues, and excessive sodium intake, making it difficult to maintain therapeutic levels of ketones in the blood.
Innovation Solution
A foodstuff composition that includes a partially buffered free acid of β-hydroxybutyrate with specific molar ratios of (D)-β-hydroxybutyrate, its salts, and 1,3-butanediol, along with Ketone Ester, which are enantiomerically enriched to enhance bioavailability and reduce gastric degradation, allowing for higher doses without excessive salt intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If free acid form of (D/L)-β-hydroxybutyrate is used intravenously, then therapeutic levels of ketones can be achieved, but gastrointestinal tolerability is poor due to acidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary buffering agent (such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or calcium carbonate) that mediates between the acidic free acid form of β-hydroxybutyrate and the gastrointestinal tract. This intermediary substance neutralizes the acid in the stomach, preventing gastrointestinal distress while allowing the β-hydroxybutyrate to be absorbed and converted to therapeutic ketone levels in the blood.
2Reliability
If (D/L)-β-HB(Na+) salt is used, then sodium intake is provided, but limitations on sodium intake restrict therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the β-hydroxybutyrate compound from its sodium salt form to its free acid form, which is then buffered by a separate buffering agent. This parameter change allows the formulation to provide therapeutic ketone levels without being constrained by daily sodium intake limits, as the buffering agent can be selected independently of sodium restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the functional requirements into separate components: the β-hydroxybutyrate free acid provides the ketone precursor, while the buffering agent separately provides acid neutralization and cation supply. This segmentation allows the formulation to achieve therapeutic effects without relying on high sodium intake, as the buffering function is performed by a separate substance.
3Reliability
If racemic (D/L)-β-hydroxybutyrate is used, then both enantiomers are provided, but only the (D) isomer is bioactive, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using only the (D)-enantiomer of β-hydroxybutyrate instead of the racemic mixture. Since the (L)-enantiomer is not bioactive, excluding it from the formulation eliminates wasted material and allows for more efficient conversion to therapeutic ketone levels with a lower total amount of β-hydroxybutyrate required.
4Reliability
If 1,3-butanediol is used in excess, then ketone production is enhanced, but inebriation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach by using buffered free acid form of β-hydroxybutyrate as the primary ketone precursor, which has a higher safety margin and does not cause inebriation. This parameter change allows achieving therapeutic ketone levels without the harmful side effects associated with excessive 1,3-butanediol consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition effectively increases serum levels of (D)-β-hydroxybutyrate, achieving rapid and sustained ketosis with improved bioavailability and reduced risk of gastrointestinal distress and salt overload, enabling therapeutic levels of ketones to be reached safely.
Implementation Method 1
a partially buffered free acid of β-hydroxybutyrate which is defined as less than a 1:1 molar equivalent with respect to the buffering base
Implementation Method 2
only the (D) isomer is bioactive
Implementation Method 3
(D/L) 1,3-butanediol, which is converted in the liver to (D)-β-hydroxybutyrate free acid
Implementation Method 4
The composition effectively increases serum levels of (D)-β-hydroxybutyrate, achieving rapid and sustained ketosis with improved bioavailability
Data Source
AI summary
A foodstuff can include a free acid β-hydroxybutyrate, and a base. The β-hydroxybutyrate, and base, are present at a less than 1:1 molar equivalence. Ketone Ester may also be incorporated as a component of the foodstuff.