What are ketones?

Ketones are acidic substances produced when the body uses fat for energy, particularly when carbohydrate intake is low. Under normal circumstances, the body derives energy primarily from glucose, which is obtained from carbohydrates. However, during periods of fasting, prolonged exercise, or low-carb diets, the body shifts its energy production from glucose to fat. This process leads to the breakdown of fatty acids in the liver, resulting in the production of ketones.

These ketones can then be utilized as an alternative energy source by many tissues, including the brain, which typically relies on glucose. Elevated levels of ketones are significant in conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, where the body has high levels of ketones due to insufficient insulin, leading to an acidification of the blood. Understanding the role of ketones is essential in managing various metabolic states, particularly in diabetes management and certain dietary approaches.