What are ketones?

Ketone bodies are intermediate products of fatty acid oxidation and metabolism in the liver, primarily including three components: acetoacetic acid, β-hydroxybutyric acid, and acetone. These substances normally exist in the blood of healthy individuals at low concentrations and are byproducts of fat metabolism. Ketone bodies can serve as an alternative energy source for the body, especially offering protective effects to vital organs such as the heart and brain, when glucose supply is insufficient, such as during fasting, prolonged starvation, or in diabetes. When ketone body production exceeds the metabolic capacity of the body, they may accumulate and lead to serious conditions such as ketoacidosis. Therefore, monitoring and managing ketone levels are of significant importance in the fields of medicine and nutrition. At the same time, a balanced diet and proper nutrient intake are key to maintaining normal ketone levels.