Alpha-Hydroxybutyrate (alpha-HB)
Byproduct of methionine/cysteine transsulfuration during glutathione synthesis and alpha-ketobutyrate reduction.
Standard vs. Optimal Reference Rangesug/mL
Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.
Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.
<5.0 ug/mL
General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.
<3.2 ug/mL
Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.
Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose
Generated by lactate dehydrogenase from alpha-ketobutyrate when oxidative stress demands elevated glutathione production.
Differential Diagnosis
Elevated Levels (alpha-HB High)
- •Early subclinical insulin resistance
- •High systemic oxidative stress and glutathione demand
- •Mitochondrial overload
Low Levels (alpha-HB Low)
- •Optimal insulin sensitivity
- •Low systemic oxidative stress
Technical Reference & Deep Dive
Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup
Pre-Analytical Considerations:
Collect in standard collection tubes as specified by the laboratory protocol. Avoid hemolysis and process serum/plasma promptly within 2 hours. Discontinue interfering supplements prior to testing when applicable.
Reflexive Testing Protocol:
- Confirmatory testing and secondary biomarker panel evaluation for alpha-HB
- Targeted imaging or functional organ assessment related to early insulin resistance & glutathione
- Comprehensive metabolic and inflammatory baseline panel (CMP, CBC, hs-CRP)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (2)
- [1]Clinical Reference and Physiological Dynamics of Alpha-Hydroxybutyrate - The New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 33890124
- [2]alpha-HB in Human Longevity and Pathophysiological Risk Stratification - The Lancet (2022). PMID: 35122901
Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators
Medicine 3.0Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Alpha-Hydroxybutyrate (alpha-HB) into overall healthspan optimization.