What Are Ketones?
Ketones are chemicals made in your body when it burns fat for energy instead of carbs.
This usually happens when:
- You’re on a low-carb or keto diet
- You’re fasting
- You haven’t eaten in a while
- You have diabetes and not enough insulin
Your body usually uses glucose (sugar) from carbs for energy. But when carbs are low, it switches to burning fat—and that creates ketones.
Ketones can be a good thing if you're trying to lose weight or follow a keto diet. Your brain and muscles can use them for energy.
But too many ketones can be dangerous, especially for people with diabetes. This can lead to ketoacidosis, a serious medical condition.
The Types of Ketones
There are 3 types of ketones:
1. Acetoacetate (AcAc)
🧪 The first ketone your body makes
- This is the starting point of ketone production.
- Your liver creates acetoacetate from fatty acids.
- It can be used directly for energy or turned into the other two ketones below.
💡 Think of it as the “parent” ketone.
2. Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB)
⚡ The most efficient energy source
- It's the most abundant and useful ketone in your blood.
- It's very stable and easily used by your brain, muscles, and organs for fuel.
💪 This is the ketone that powers you during ketosis.
3. Acetone
🌬️ The one you breathe out
- This is created when acetoacetate breaks down.
- It's the least useful for energy, and your body mostly gets rid of it by breathing it out or through urine.