What are Ketones and Why are they Important?

 

Photo by Dr. Haus

What are Ketones?

Ketones are an acidic breakdown product of fats.  When the body is breaking down fats, ketones are one of the substances that are produced.  A normal amount of ketones can be used by the body for energy BUT as more and more fat is being broken down the ketones begin to accumulate.  The accumulation of ketones has SEVERE negative effects in an organism due to their highly acidic nature.

 

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Why are they Important?

When there are too many ketones in the bloodstream an organism enters the state of ketosis (ketoacidosis).  This is a life threatening condition that leads to disorientation, confusion, aggressiveness, coma, and eventually death.  One example of such a state is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

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Gluconeogenesis of fats is the process where the body is using fats to produce the glucose the body needs to survive.  The steps of the breakdown of fats (adipose tissue) are noted below:

 

As noted in the above diagram, adipose tissue is broken down into fatty acids and glycerol.  The fatty acids accumulate in the bloodstream and are converted to ketones.  The glycerol is used in gluconeogenesis to produce more glucose for the body.  If this process is happening at too rapid of a rate, the organism risks entering a ketotic (ketoacidotic) state.