New prebiotics by ketone donation

Abstract

Integrity of the microbiome is an essential element for human gut health. 3-Hydroxybutyrate (3HB) secreted into the gut lumen has gained attention as a regulator of gut physiology, including stem cell expansion. In this opinion, I propose new prebiotics leading to gut health by use of a ketone (3HB) donor. When exogenous 3HB is supplied through ketone donation, it has the potential to markedly improve gut health by altering the gut microbiome and systemic metabolic status. Poly-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) donates 3HB and primarily influences microbiota, making it an effective prebiotic for improving the gut environment. Thus, exogenous 3HB donation to the lumen of the gut may aid gut health by maintaining the integrity of microbiome.

Keywords: 3-hydroxybutyrate; Roseburia; butyrate; ketobiotics; ketone ester; poly-hydroxybutyrate.