New Compound Offers Alternative to Keto Diet
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and Stanford University have identified a novel compound, BHB-Phe, that may provide an alternative to the ketogenic diet for weight management. Published in the journal Cell on November 12, the study reveals that BHB-Phe interacts with brain neurons to regulate appetite and body weight.
BHB, or beta-hydroxybutyrate, is a ketone body produced by the liver during fasting or exercise. The research indicates that BHB can bind with the amino acid phenylalanine, influencing metabolism and eating behavior. The study's lead author, Dr. Jonathan Long, noted that this compound activates specific neurons in the hypothalamus and brainstem, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss in animal models.
Implications for Obesity Treatment
The findings suggest that the phenylalanine-bound BHB pathway may be disrupted in individuals with obesity, highlighting the potential for new therapeutic approaches. The research team also discovered that another compound, lactolphenylalanine, produced during exercise, reduces food intake through different neuronal mechanisms. This indicates that while both compounds aim to control eating behaviors, they operate through distinct pathways.
Dr. Yong Xu, another co-author, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating that future dietary interventions could allow individuals to consume phenylalanine-bound BHB to promote weight loss without the need for carbohydrate restriction. This could revolutionize dietary approaches for obesity and metabolic disorders.
