Keto BHB-Weight Loss Pills & You: Pros & Cons

Introduction

The economics, consumption of & interest in weight loss pills (weight loss supplements), make it a hot business segment and trend, in the global health & fitness industry. According to Grand View Research-The global weight loss supplements market size was valued at USD 33.4 billion in 2020 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.6% from 2021 to 2028. The rising cases of obesity and related health ailments, such as Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), diabetes, and hypertension, are expected to drive product demand. Weight Loss Supplements Market Report, 2021-2028| Retrieved on March 29, 2023 Keto pills is a sub-category of weight loss supplementation.

What is Keto?

Ketosis & ketoacidosis can be understood as metabolic states whereby our bodies make and/or use ketone bodies for energy. The difference between ketosis & ketoacidosis is the concentration of ketones in our blood stream. The main source nutrient source for ketone metabolism is fat. Fatty acids are metabolized to acetoacetate which is later converted to beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetone. These are the basic ketone bodies that accumulate in the body as a ketogenic diet is sustained. This metabolic state is referred to as “nutritional ketosis.” As long as the body is deprived of carbohydrates, the metabolism remains in the ketotic state. The nutritional ketosis state is considered quite safe, as ketone bodies are produced in small concentrations without any alterations in blood pH. It greatly differs from ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition where ketone bodies are produced in extremely larger concentrations, altering blood ph to an acidotic state. Masood et al., (2022)| Ketogenic Diet| StatPearls| NCBI| Retrieved March 29, 2023  

Attaining Dominant Keto State-Nutritional Ketosis & Ketoacidosis

Peer-reviewed literature specify that you can attain keto state, in the following ways:

• Low intake of carbohydrates, moderate protein & high fat diet (nutritional ketosis).
• High production of ketone bodies due to the lack of insulin in the bloodstream, and/or insulin take-up in energy-dependent tissue (such as muscle & heart tissue). This is characteristic of diabetics.

As described by Volek and Phinney, a “well-formulated” ketogenic diet is composed of 5–10% carbohydrates (<20–50g/day), adequate protein (1–1.5g/kg/day), and fat until satiated. The hallmark of nutritional ketosis is blood ketone levels of 0.5 to 3 mg/dL. This is in stark contrast to the pathophysiologic state of type 1 diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)…the range of ketones present in DKA is 5–10 fold greater than the levels achieved during nutritional ketosis. Nutritional Ketosis for Weight Management and Reversal of Metabolic Syndrome| NCBI| Retrieved March 29, 2023  

Keto Supplementation-What Makes Them Relevant?

The weight loss industry is big business. With the keto diet being one of the most popular globally thanks to it’s relatively high success of helping people achieve a reduction in bodyweight and body fat, it makes sense for the ‘keto-wave’ to hold a section of the nutritional supplement sector, of the global health & fitness industry. The controversial connection (endorsement & sales) between weight loss gummies and Oprah Winfrey, is a standout support of this statement. But does keto supplementation provide you the same benefits of weight loss & bodyfat loss as a carefully tailored ketogenic diet? Well, the general consensus by leading researchers is that the answer is inconclusive. As stated by Phinney & Volek (2018): Exogenous ketones (also known as ketone supplements) and well-formulated ketogenic diets share at least one thing in common. They both result in increased circulating concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB), but ultimately are associated with very different patterns of ketosis, as well as differing metabolic and physiologic outcomes. In short, they should not be assumed to have equivalent effects simply because they achieve similar BOHB blood levels…the research into how these function in the body and what benefits they can confer remains early stage, but there are already a number of such products available for sale. The Pros & Cons of Ketone Supplements (2018)| virtahealth.com| Retrieved March 29, 2023  

Should You Purchase & Take Keto Supplements?

Based on my assessment & interpretation of the available literature, my viewpoints are as follows:

• Low Risk Devout Ketogenic Diet Follower-If you are a devout follower of the ketogenic diet belonging to the recreational population segment, or a competitive athlete (athlete population) then adding keto supplements such as keto-bhb, should further your capacity towards achieving desired bodyfat and/or weight loss levels.
• Diabetic (type 1 & type 2), Pre-Diabetics, Moderate to High Risk Individuals-If you fall within this category because of the conditions mentioned; and/or because you have conditions not-mentioned; and/or you’re on prescribed medication by your medical doctor(s), you should consult with your medical practitioners first.

About The Author

Oshane Bryant: BSc Geology, Geography Minor; ACE CPT since 2012; Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) Accelerator Graduate-2018 cohort; Licensed KUKIBO Martial Arts & Self Defense, Senior Instructor; OB Fitness Founder & Managing Director.