3-Hydroxybutyrate

**Semantic type:** Organic Chemical

**Definition:** A hydroxy fatty acid anion and ketone body synthesized in the liver from acetyl-Coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) by the enzyme 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. 3-hydroxybutyrate can be used as an energy source when glucose levels drop. Elevated urine and serum levels of 3-hydroxybutyrate are seen in ketosis and ketoacidosis.

**Synonyms:** - 3-Hydroxybutanoate - 3-OH Butyrate - 3-OH-Butyrate - BHB - Beta-Hydroxy-n-Butyrate - Beta-Hydroxybutanoate - b-HB