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Ss-hydroxybutyric acid is a metabolite of fatty acid metabolism. In the case of a decrease in insulin concentration, there are difficulties in utilizing glucose in the cells, which leads to incomplete burning of fat with the formation of ketone bodies, including ß-hydroxybutyric acid.
Characteristics of ß-hydroxybutyric acid
This acid belongs to a group of chemical compounds called ketone bodies. Ss-hydroxybutyric acid, together with acetoacetic acid and acetone, are an alternative to glucose and provide energy for some organs, such as the kidneys, heart, brain and muscles. In a healthy person, ketone bodies are released in a small amount. Only when metabolism is disturbed does the concentration of ß-hydroxybutyric acid and other ketone bodies increase in the blood. In addition, it causes an increase in their excretion in the urine and ketoacidosis, a dangerous complication of which is keto coma. The ß-hydroxybutyric acid test is usually performed in people suspected of developing ketoacidosis, e.g. diabetes, alcoholism.
When do we do the ß-hydroxybutyric acid test?
The ß-hydroxybutyric acid test is performed when ketoacidosis is suspected in the course of diabetes, alcohol intoxication, fever, hypothyroidism and fasting. In addition, there are some symptoms that may suggest the need for a test, for example:
- dry mouth
- dehydration,
- polyuria
- bad mood,
- excessive thirst
- vomiting,
- high temperature,
- diarrhea,
- a sweet smell from the mouth.
The course of the study
Material for testing ß-hydroxybutyric acid: serum or urine.
Preparation for the test: on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours).
The course of the study: one-time blood sampling from a vein in the arm or testing a urine sample.
Time to wait for the result: 1 Day.
There are no contraindications for this test.
Standard:
– in serum – from 0,03 to 0,22 mmol / l (0,3-2,0 mg / dl),
– the presence of ß-hydroxybutyric acid in the urine is always considered pathological.
Comments: Ss-hydroxybutyric acid constitutes about 75% of all ketone bodies, compounds formed as a result of disturbed metabolism of fatty acids. Ketone bodies, including β-hydroxybutyric acid, are absent in normal urine.
What does elevated ß-hydroxybutyric acid indicate?
High levels of ß-hydroxybutyric acid and other ketone bodies in the blood and urine can cause:
- alcoholism,
- alcohol poisoning,
- type I and type II diabetes
- pregnancy (especially in the second half),
- acute kidney failure,
- starvation diet,
- low carbohydrate content in the diet,
- diarrhea,
- vomiting,
- high temperature.