What does ketone bodies refer to?

Ketone bodies refer to important byproducts generated during the metabolic breakdown of fats, specifically referring to the collective term for acetoacetic acid, β-hydroxybutyric acid, and acetone, which are intermediate products of fatty acid oxidation in the liver. These substances are normally present in small amounts in the blood of healthy individuals. However, when carbohydrate metabolism is impaired and fat breakdown increases, the rate of ketone body production may exceed the rate at which body tissues can utilize them, leading to elevated concentrations of ketone bodies in the blood. This may result in ketonemia or ketonuria. Under certain conditions such as fasting, prolonged starvation, or diabetes, ketone bodies can serve as a primary energy source for bodily tissues and organs. Excessively high levels of ketone bodies, however, may also be associated with potential health problems such as ketoacidosis, which requires attention and timely medical intervention.