Why 1,3-Butanediol Might Be Doing You More Harm Than Good — And Why goBHB® Is the Only Ketone That Actually Works

By: Marc Lobliner, IFBB Pro

Let’s cut through the hype.

You’ve probably seen ketone supplements all over your feed, with companies promising more energy, mental clarity, fat loss, and athletic performance. And yeah, ketones can be powerful. But not all ketones are created equal — and some of the stuff being pushed today could actually hurt you in the long run. I’m talking specifically about 1,3-butanediol.

What is 1,3-Butanediol, and Why Are People Using It?

1,3-butanediol (BDO) is a synthetic alcohol compound that your liver can convert into beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), one of the main ketones your body uses during ketosis.

On the surface, it sounds good. A shortcut to ketones without changing your diet? But here’s the problem — BDO isn’t a ketone. It’s a precursor that your liver has to process, and that process can be messy, inefficient, and potentially dangerous.

The Research is Clear: Long-Term 1,3-Butanediol Use Can Be Toxic

Animal studies show that high doses of 1,3-butanediol — around 20% concentration in water — can cause metabolic acidosis. That’s a condition where your blood becomes too acidic, which can be seriously harmful. On top of that, researchers found signs of liver stress: sinusoidal dilation, abnormal liver weight, and disrupted organ function

(Soto et al., 2022 – Nutrients).

Even at lower doses (5–10%), it didn’t significantly elevate BHB levels. So now you’re taking something that either doesn’t work — or works at a dose that wrecks your liver. That’s a no-go.

You Might Feel Something… But It’s Not Ketosis

Some users report a buzz, dizziness, or even mild euphoria after taking BDO. That’s not enhanced cognition or focus — that’s the alcohol-like effects of the compound. Because let’s not forget: 1,3-butanediol is a diol alcohol. It’s structurally more similar to antifreeze than actual ketones.

In a 2023 study, people taking it reported nausea and dizziness, especially when the dose wasn’t split into smaller portions

(Smith et al., 2023 – Frontiers in Physiology).

And Let’s Be Honest… It Tastes Like Trash

Forget what the label says. No amount of sweeteners or flavor masking can hide the fact that 1,3-butanediol tastes awful. It’s been described as bitter, oily, and metallic — almost like nail polish remover with a dash of syrup.

Taste might not seem like the biggest issue, but if you have to choke it down every time, you’re not going to stay consistent. And if the only way to make it “palatable” is by burying it under a ton of artificial junk, what’s the point?

goBHB®, on the other hand, is actually easy to flavor — and you can take it consistently without gagging.

Here’s the Truth: goBHB® Is the Only Real Ketone Supplement Worth Taking

goBHB® is actual beta-hydroxybutyrate — the real ketone your body uses. It’s not a precursor. It doesn’t need to be processed by your liver. Your body absorbs and uses it immediately.

Research shows that goBHB®:

            •          Raises blood ketone levels rapidly and consistently

(Ratelle et al., 2021 – Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition)

            •          Improves mental focus and clarity

            •          Reduces perceived exertion during workouts

            •          Supports blood sugar and metabolic health

It’s safe, it works fast, and it’s been studied in both adults and adolescents. No liver stress. No acid buildup. No alcohol-like side effects.

So Why Are Companies Still Pushing 1,3-Butanediol?

Because it’s cheaper and because they pay people to talk about it – that’s it.

You’re paying for that shortcut with your health — and your taste buds. That’s not acceptable.

When I create a supplement — whether it’s protein, creatine, or ketones — I only use ingredients I’d give to my family. I trust goBHB® because it works. It’s safe. And it’s what the research supports.

Final Take

If you want real ketone energy without the risk, go with goBHB®. It’s the only exogenous ketone that delivers what it promises — clean energy, sharper focus, and real results without the nasty side effects, liver toxicity, or disgusting taste.

1,3-butanediol? Leave it where it belongs — in a chemistry lab.

Sources:

            1.         Soto, J. et al. (2022). Chronic Ketone Supplementation with 1,3-Butanediol Alters Hepatic Gene Expression and Metabolite Profiles in Mice. Nutrients, 14(12), 2485.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9164310

            2.         Smith, C. et al. (2023). Effects of Dosing Strategy on Tolerance and Ketosis from Exogenous Ketone Diols in Humans. Frontiers in Physiology, 14.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2023.1195702/full

            3.         Ratelle, J. et al. (2021). Safety and Tolerability of Ketone Supplementation in Healthy Adolescents. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1), 1–13.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8000900