Effects of BHB(beta-hydroxybutyrate) of Mood, Memory, and Handgrip

Effects of BHB(beta-hydroxybutyrate) of Mood, Memory, and Handgrip

Alvin Sherman Library

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of acute beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) on handgrip, mood states and memory of healthy men and women. The subjects were exercise science students from Nova Southeastern University between 18-22 years of age. Subjects performed Handgrip strength, Profile of Mood States (POMS), and Memtrax the tests prior to consuming BHB, as well as 30 minutes, and 60 minutes post consumption. A total of 136 healthy participants (20.5±1.4 years) were randomized into three groups: D-BHB (n=47), L-BHB (n=46), or placebo (n=43). A Two-Way ANOVA test revealed no significant group or time interactions for mood, memory, or handgrip strength. Memtrax memory performance showed no significant pre-to-post changes in percent correct (p=0.120) or reaction time (p=0.927). Similarly, no significant group or time effects were observed for Total Mood Disturbance Score (TMDS), except for a significant main effect of time for vigor (p=0.047), which increased slightly across all groups over 60 minutes. While significant group differences existed for overall mean (p=0.012) and peak (p=0.016) handgrip strength; however, these were attributed to baseline cohort variations as no significant changes occurred over time following acute BHB consumption. Acture beta-hydroxybutyrate supplementation did not significantly impact handgrip, mood states, and memory in healthy young adults. Therefore, these findings indicate that a single dose is insufficient, requiring more opportunity for further research such as different dosages, an increase or decrease in time pre/post, or other tests being applicable.