Frequently Asked Questions

Interest in exogenous ketones is growing every day. Below are some answers to common questions about the unique ketone body, Beta-Hydroxybutyrate, and how it is used in Saba Skinny 5000 Keto-TranZform™.

1. WHAT IS BHB?
Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body produced when free fatty acids are broken down in the liver. The other two types of ketone bodies are acetoacetate (AcAc) and acetone. Ketones provide pure energy to fuel the human brain and other tissues. The liver is always producing ketones to some small degree, and they are always present in the bloodstream. Under normal dietary conditions, ketones are too low to be of any significance. A very low carbohydrate diet, a ketogenic diet and exogenous ketone supplements like Saba Skinny 5000 Keto-Tranzform™ will help you increase the amount of ketones in your body.
2. WHAT IS A KETONE BODY?
When eating a low carbohydrate diet, the liver converts fatty acids to ketones, which serve as an alternative to glucose for energy for the brain, heart and muscles. Ketone bodies (ketones) are energy sources that are produced and burned under special metabolic conditions such as starvation and high fat (ketogenic) diets. Ketones are a super fuel that can be efficiently used by the muscles and the brain, which generates more energy (ATP) per unit of oxygen consumed than carbohydrates, protein, or fat.
3. WHY DO WE MAKE KETONES?
Our brain can only function with glucose and ketones. Since we can’t store more than about 24 hours worth of glucose, we would be in a hypoglycemic state if we were ever forced to fast for more than 24 hours. Fortunately, our liver can take fat and select amino acids (the building blocks of protein) and turn them into ketones, first and foremost to feed our brains. Hence, our body’s ability to produce ketones is required for our basic survival.
4. WHAT IS KETOSIS?
Ketosis is a metabolic state in which the liver produces small organic molecules called ketone bodies. The term “ketone bodies” refers to 3 very specific molecules: acetone, acetoacetone (or acetoacetic acid), and beta-hydroxybutyrate (or beta-hydroxybutyric acid), shown below:
5. HOW DOES BHB WORK?
Beta-Hydroxybutyrate is a ketone body providing a direct energy source to the brain and muscles. You do not have to be in a full ketogenic state to benefit from BHB. Even those who follow a low carbohydrate diet can experience the benefits of higher energy and better performance.
6. HOW CAN I USE BHB?
BHB is most often used for energy, fat loss, endurance, and cognitive formulas or as a “bridge” to nutritional ketosis. During the period of time when your body is learning to switch from burning glucose to burning ketones, you can experience a lack of energy. Exogenous ketones can help “fuel” you during that transition period. Because BHB is used in higher doses, it is typically used in powder formulas such as Saba Skinny 5000 Keto-TranZform™.
7. DOES BHB WORK, EVEN IF I EAT SOME AMOUNT OF CARBS?
Studies suggest that BHB can work even when outside of nutritional ketosis. Please see several referenced studies below for detailed information. Also, ketones can help spare glycogen for those exercising for longer periods of time. Despite ingesting carbs, ketones can still enter the cycle generating ATP.
8. WHY IS BHB SUPPLIED IN THE FORM OF CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM AND SODIUM BHB?
BHB is not stable in isolation, so it is “bound” to these minerals for stability. Additionally, the minerals serve a dual function as those in nutritional ketosis often need more calcium and sodium.
9. WILL THE SODIUM IN SODIUM BHB LEAD TO HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
Some studies suggest that sodium chloride (table salt) leads to high blood pressure, but not all organic salts do. Please see the following study: http://bit.ly/2rDY5qH . Ask your doctor and please note that these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Saba Skinny 5000 Keto-TranZform™ is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. More study is required to have a definitive answer.
10. IS BHB JUST FOR ATHLETES?
No! Anyone looking to maximize their wellness goals on a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic lifestyle, and feel more energetic throughout their day will love BHB. Busy professionals, on-the-go moms and dads, and college students looking for extra hours in the day will benefit from BHB. 11. CAN VEGETARIANS OR VEGANS FOLLOW A KETOGENIC DIET? Yes! While some may find it difficult, this can still be done.
12. SHOULD I TAKE FIBER SUPPLEMENTS?
It is possible to get recommended daily fiber intake through vegetables; however, taking fiber supplements may help some individuals who cannot get their dietary intake of fiber from their regular daily meals.
13. CAN I HAVE COFFEE?
Yes! You may consider adding healthy fats like MCTs to your coffee.
14. WHAT ARE EXOGENOUS KETONES?
Exogenous ketones are ketone supplements that are ingested to enhance plasma ketone levels and act as a metabolic fuel source for the body.
15. HOW DO I TEST MY KETONES?
Ketone bodies can be checked via blood ketone meters, ketone urine strips, or breath analysis.
16. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET INTO KETOSIS WHEN I USE SABA SKINNY 5000 KETO-TRANZFORM™?
Ketone levels can increase high enough to consider being in ketosis within days of severe carbohydrate restriction or fasting. True adaptation takes longer. However, with Saba Skinny 5000 Keto-TranZform™, you can be in ketosis within hours.
17. WHAT IS DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS?
When a diabetic (usually a Type I diabetic, but sometimes this occurs in very-late stage, insulin-dependent, Type II diabetics) fails to receive enough insulin, they go into a state of starvation. While they may have all the glucose in the world in their bloodstream, they can't get any into their cells without insulin, effectively going into starvation. When this happens, the body does what it would do in anyone: it starts to make ketones out of fat and proteins. In this case, the diabetic person can’t produce any insulin, so there is no feedback loop and they continue to produce more and more ketones without stopping. By the time ketone levels (specifically, beta-hydroxybutyrate) reach 15 to 25nM, the resulting pH imbalance leads to profound metabolic derangement and the person becomes critically ill. The state of metabolic derangement is not actually possible in a person who can produce insulin, even in small amounts. The reason is that a feedback loop prevents the ketone level from getting high enough to cause the change in pH that leads to ketoacidosis. A person who is said to be “Keto-adapted,” or in a state of nutritional ketosis, generally has beta-hydroxybutyrate levels between approximately 0.5 and 3.0 nM. It is important to note that Saba Skinny 5000 Keto-TranZform™ with BHB is not for people with Type 1 diabetes or anyone experiencing insulin deficiency, pregnant, breastfeeding, kidney problems, or taking prescribed medications. As always, please consult your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplements.
18. WHAT IS KETO-ADAPTATION?
Keto-adaptation is a state that is achieved through a significant reduction of carbohydrate intake where the body changes from relying on glycogen to fat as its main source of energy. Specifically, the brain shifts from being primarily dependent on glucose to being primarily dependent on beta-hydroxybutyrate.
19. SHOULD I MEASURE MY KETONES?
Depending on your goals, you may not care. If you are on a low-carb diet and getting the benefits you hoped for, worrying about how high your ketones are may just add a level of complication you don’t need. On the other hand, many people have found that monitoring their ketones, at least for a while, provides valuable information.
20. HOW TO MEASURE YOUR KETONES:
Measuring blood ketones is the most reliable method. You can also measure ketones in the urine with a test strip, which is much more accessible and inexpensive. However, this method is much less reliable, and as time goes on and the body adapts to ketosis, it becomes even less reliable Here are few tips to follow when you use a test strip:

  • Pay attention to the expiration date on the strip;
  • Be sure to store your test strips with the lid tightly closed. Any moisture or long exposure to air will cause the strips to not work correctly.
We encourage you to spend sometime to do your own research about the many health benefits of the Saba Low Carbohydrate Lifestyle with Skinny 5000 Keto-TranZform™ so you can make the best decision about your health and nutrition. We strongly recommend that you consult your healthcare provider before you start any diet or execise program.