During exercise, the increase of PGC-1α protein triggers the secretion of BAIBA from exercising muscles into the blood (concentration 2 to 3 μM in human serum).

When BAIBA reaches white fat tissue, it activates the expression of thermogenic genes via PPARα receptors, resulting in browning of white fat cells.

BAIBA is thought to play a number of roles in cell metabolism, regulation of fat burning, and regulation of insulin, blood triglycerides, and total cholesterol.

[2][3][4] BAIBA is found as a normal metabolite of skeletal muscle.

BAIBA is a proposed protective factor against metabolic disorders since it can induce brown fat function.