CAS 51899-07-1 Calcium 3-hydroxybutyrate (BHBCalcium) Synthetic Compound with C8H14CaO6 Formula Exogenous Ketone Supplements
Calcium 3-hydroxybutyrate is a synthetic compound with the chemical formula C8H14CaO6, identified by CAS number 51899-07-1.
| Chemical Name | Calcium 3-hydroxybutyrate |
| CAS Number | 51899-07-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C8H14CaO6 |
| EINECS Number | 000-000-0 |
| Biological Source | Synthetic |
1. Metabolic Role
BHB serves as an alternative energy substrate when glucose availability is limited. During periods of:
-
Fasting or starvation
-
Prolonged exercise
-
A ketogenic (low-carb, high-fat) diet
the liver converts fatty acids into ketone bodies, with BHB being the most abundant and stable form. It is transported via the bloodstream to extrahepatic tissues (particularly the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle), where it is converted back to acetyl-CoA and enters the citric acid cycle to produce ATP (energy).
Unlike fatty acids, BHB can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it a critical fuel source for the brain during glucose scarcity.
2. Chemical Forms
In commercial and research contexts, 3-hydroxybutyrate is typically encountered in two forms:
| Form | Description |
|---|---|
| Free acid | The pure compound (C₄H₈O₃), rarely used directly due to acidity |
| Salts (ketone salts) | Combined with minerals such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, or potassium to improve palatability and provide electrolyte support |
The most common salts include:
-
Sodium 3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS 150-83-4)
-
Magnesium 3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS 163452-00-4)
-
Calcium 3-hydroxybutyrate (CAS 51899-07-1)
3. Exogenous Ketone Supplements
In recent years, exogenous ketone supplements have gained popularity. These products deliver BHB (usually as mineral salts) directly to the body, aiming to:
-
Induce ketosis without strict dietary restriction
-
Enhance cognitive and physical performance
-
Reduce appetite
-
Mitigate symptoms of "keto flu" during the transition to a ketogenic diet
4. Research and Potential Benefits
Scientific interest in BHB extends beyond energy metabolism:
| Area | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| Neuroprotection | Animal studies suggest BHB may protect against neurodegeneration (e.g., in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and stroke models) by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation |
| Metabolic health | May improve insulin sensitivity and support weight management |
| Athletic performance | Mixed results; some studies show benefits in endurance, while others report gastrointestinal distress without performance gains |
| Heart failure | Emerging research indicates BHB may improve cardiac efficiency and outcomes in heart failure patients |
5. Safety and Regulatory Status
Despite its natural occurrence in the body, the safety of long-term, high-dose exogenous BHB supplementation remains under evaluation.
-
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) : In 2022, EFSA concluded that the available data on ketone salts (including BHB magnesium and calcium) were insufficient to establish safe intake levels for use as novel foods.
-
Common side effects : Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, bloating, diarrhea) and potential electrolyte imbalances if consumed in excess.
Get in Touch
Have questions about our products or want to discuss a custom order? Our team is ready to help you.