3-Aminoisobutyric acid (also known asβ-aminoisobutyric acid orBAIBA) is a product formed by the catabolism ofthymine andvaline.[1]
During exercise, the increase ofPGC-1α protein triggers the secretion of BAIBA from exercising muscles into the blood (concentration2 to 3 μM in human serum). When BAIBA reacheswhite fat tissue, it activates the expression ofthermogenic genes viaPPARα receptors, resulting inbrowning of white fat cells.[2] One of the consequences of BAIBA activity is increased background metabolism of BAIBA target cells.
BAIBA is found as a normalmetabolite ofskeletal muscle (myokine). Its plasma concentrations are increased by exercise.[6] The increased production is likely a result of enhanced mitochondrial activity,[7] as this increase is also observed in muscle of PGC-1a overexpression mice. BAIBA is a proposed protective factor againstmetabolic disorders since it can inducebrown fat function.[2] Buthealthy diet with exercise isbetter.[8][9][6][10][11][12]
^Begriche K, Massart J, Fromenty B (June 2010). "Effects of β-aminoisobutyric acid on leptin production and lipid homeostasis: mechanisms and possible relevance for the prevention of obesity".Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology.24 (3):269–82.doi:10.1111/j.1472-8206.2009.00765.x.PMID19735301.S2CID2520238.
^Mo, Qiaoling; Deng, Xinquan; Zhou, Ziyu; Yin, Lijun (2025-05-16)."High-Fat Diet and Metabolic Diseases: A Comparative Analysis of Sex-Dependent Responses and Mechanisms".International Journal of Molecular Sciences.26 (10): 4777.doi:10.3390/ijms26104777.ISSN1422-0067.PMC12112597.PMID40429918.Females benefit from high-fiber diets that optimize gut microbiota and modulate estrogen levels to reduce breast cancer risk [198], whereas males require restricted refined carbohydrate intake to mitigate MetS predisposition [199]. While protein consumption enhances energy metabolism in both sexes, females exhibit superior muscle anabolic responses [200,201]. Lipid regulation strategies also diverge: clinical data show that omega-3 and monounsaturated fatty acids preferentially support female cardiovascular health [202], while males require focused monounsaturated fat intake for adiposity control [203]. The Mediterranean diet exerts stronger cardioprotective effects on males via anti-inflammatory mechanisms [204], whereas ketogenic diets may compromise female gut barrier integrity despite short-term weight loss [205]. Micronutrient antioxidants (e.g., vitamins C/E, selenium, zinc) alleviate HFD-induced metabolic stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species and stabilizing hormonal balance [206,207], with iron supplementation being particularly critical for female physiology [208].
^Murphy, Chaise; Koehler, Karsten (2021-10-08). "Energy deficiency impairs resistance training gains in lean mass but not strength: A meta-analysis and meta-regression".Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports.32 (1):125–137.doi:10.1111/sms.14075.ISSN1600-0838.PMID34623696.individuals performing RT to preserve LM during weight loss should avoid energy deficits >500 kcal/day.
