Ketone Supplement Composition With Buffered Acidity and Improved Flavor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for elevating ketone levels in the body, such as through ketogenic diets or exogenous ketone bodies, are impractical, unpleasant, or associated with side effects, limiting their widespread use and efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A combination of (D)-β-hydroxybutyric acid, (D)-β-hydroxyvaleric acid, and (D)-1,3 butanediol is used to create food and beverage products that improve flavor, reduce acidity, and enhance ketosis induction, providing better tolerability and efficacy compared to individual constituents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If D-β-hydroxybutyric acid is used to elevate ketone levels, then ketosis is achieved, but the high acidity (pH 2.5) causes unpleasant taste and gastrointestinal side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces D-1,3-butanediol as an intermediary substance that combines with D-β-hydroxybutyric acid to form a buffered composition. This intermediary mechanism reduces the free acid concentration and pH, thereby decreasing acidity-related side effects while maintaining ketone elevation efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the ketone composition by combining D-β-hydroxybutyric acid with D-1,3-butanediol in specific ratios. This parameter change reduces the acidity from pH 2.5 to a more tolerable range, improving palatability and reducing gastrointestinal irritation while preserving ketosis induction.
2Reliability
If D-1,3 butanediol is used as a ketone precursor, then ketone levels are elevated, but the unpleasant bitter flavor limits its use in food and beverage products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges D-1,3-butanediol with D-β-hydroxybutyric acid in a buffered composition, where the combination creates a synergistic effect. The merging of these two substances allows the beneficial ketone-elevating property of D-1,3-butanediol to be achieved while the unpleasant flavor is masked or reduced through the buffering action and formulation.
3Reliability
If racemic 1,3-butanediol is used to increase ketone levels, then ketosis is achieved, but non-physiological isomers cause unwanted side effects and inhibit ketone body transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using only the specific enantiomer D-1,3-butanediol rather than the racemic mixture. This selective approach ensures that only the physiologically active and beneficial isomer is administered, avoiding the harmful effects of non-physiological isomers while maintaining effective ketone body transport and metabolism.
4Reliability
If large quantities of D-β-hydroxybutyric acid are administered to achieve sufficient ketone levels, then ketosis is achieved, but acidosis occurs following rapid absorption from the gastrointestinal tract
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses D-1,3-butanediol as a buffering intermediary that reacts with D-β-hydroxybutyric acid to form a buffered composition. This intermediary mechanism gradually releases ketones and reduces free acid concentration, preventing rapid absorption and acidosis while still achieving sufficient ketone levels for therapeutic effect.
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 combination achieves higher and more sustained ketone levels in the body, reducing side effects and improving palatability, making it suitable for daily use and therapeutic benefits.
Implementation Method 1
During fat metabolism, fats are converted to ketone bodies. Large quantities of these substances accumulate in the blood. This condition, which is known as ketosis
Implementation Method 2
D-beta hydroxybutyric acid has a pH similar to lemon juice of 2.5. Because of this acidity the quantity and concentration in which D-beta hydroxybutyric acid may be used in ingestible form is limited.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of improving flavor of a combination of a composition for increasing circulating ketone levels is disclosed. A composition containing (D)-β-hydroxybutyric acid (D-BHB), (D)-β-hydroxyvaleric acid (D-BHV), and (D)-1,3 butanediol (D-1,3BD) is disclosed. Exemplary compositions may be incorporated into food, supplement, and beverage products.