1,3-Butanediol (1,3-BDO)

1,3-Butanediol is a four-carbon di-alcohol and metabolic precursor primarily utilized to induce exogenous nutritional ketosis (TargetMol, 2024). Upon ingestion, it is rapidly converted by hepatic alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases into beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the body's primary ketone body used as an alternative energy source for the brain and heart (Frontiers, 2023; PubChem, 2024). It is widely investigated for its therapeutic potential in metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases, where it serves as a glucose-sparing fuel and a signaling molecule that reduces oxidative stress and inflammation (NIH, 2025). BHB produced from 1,3-butanediol functions as a ligand for the hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCAR2) and an inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs), thereby modulating gene expression and systemic metabolic pathways (MDPI, 2023; NIH, 2023). While it is utilized in clinical research and as a nutritional supplement to support brain function and physical performance, suprapharmacological doses are associated with risks such as metabolic acidosis, dehydration, and potential hepatic sinusoidal dilation (PubMed, 2021).

Other names

1,3-Butylene glycolButane-1,3-diolBeta-butylene glycol(R)-1,3-Butanediol(S)-1,3-Butanediol1,3-DihydroxybutaneMethyltrimethylene glycol

Metabolic conversion into beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which serves as an alternative oxidative fuel and a signaling molecule that activates HCAR2 and inhibits histone deacetylases (HDACs).