What are ketones?

Ketones are byproducts that arise when the body breaks down fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This process typically occurs during states of prolonged fasting, carbohydrate-restricted diets, or unmanaged diabetes. When glucose availability is low, the body mobilizes fat stores for energy, a process that leads to the formation of ketones. These ketone bodies then enter the bloodstream and can be utilized by various tissues, including the brain, as an alternative energy source.

Understanding ketones is crucial, especially in the context of metabolic processes and conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, where excessive ketones can accumulate in the blood, leading to serious health implications. The formation of ketones is a natural adaptation that allows the body to maintain energy levels when carbohydrate intake is insufficient.