Back to glossary
Metabolism

Ketosis

DEKetose

Reviewed by

Ketosis is a metabolic state in which the liver converts fatty acids into ketone bodies—β-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, and acetone—that serve as alternative fuel for brain, heart, and muscle when glucose is scarce. It is induced by fasting, prolonged exercise, or very-low-carbohydrate diets, with blood β-hydroxybutyrate typically rising above the 0.5 mmol/L nutritional-ketosis threshold described by Volek and Phinney. β-hydroxybutyrate also acts as a signaling molecule, inhibiting class I HDACs and modulating inflammation.

Sources

  1. Newman JC, Verdin E. (2014). Ketone Bodies as Signaling Metabolites. *Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism*doi:10.1016/j.tem.2013.09.002
  2. Puchalska P, Crawford PA. (2017). Multi-Dimensional Roles of Ketone Bodies in Fuel Metabolism, Signaling, and Therapeutics. *Cell Metabolism*doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2016.12.022