A focused review of the role of ketone bodies in health and disease

J Med Food. 2013 Nov;16(11):965-7. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2012.2592. Epub 2013 Oct 18.

Abstract

Ketone bodies are produced in the liver and are utilized in other tissues in the body as an energy source when hypoglycemia occurs in the body. There are three ketone bodies: acetoacetate, beta hydroxy butyrate, and acetone. Ketone bodies are usually present in the blood, and their level increases during fasting and starvation. They are also found in the blood of neonates and pregnant women. In diabetic ketoacidosis, high levels of ketone bodies are produced in response to low insulin levels and high levels of counter-regulatory hormones.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid / blood*
  • 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid / therapeutic use
  • Acetoacetates / blood*
  • Acetoacetates / therapeutic use
  • Acetone / blood*
  • Acetone / therapeutic use
  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism*
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis / blood*
  • Female
  • Health
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / blood*
  • Infant, Newborn / blood
  • Pregnancy / blood
  • Starvation / blood*

Substances

  • Acetoacetates
  • Blood Glucose
  • Acetone
  • acetoacetic acid
  • 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid