The clinical definition of ketosis is where blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (?HB) concentration levels measure 0.5 or more millimoles per litre (mmol/L). ?HB (and also acetoacetate, shortened to AcAc) are known as ketones with ?HB being the primary source of ketone in the blood. The liver naturally produces these ketones within its normal function, transforming fatty acids into ketones to be redirected as energy to other areas of the body such as the brain, muscle, or heart. In a nutshell, ketosis provides an alternative source of energy to calories, utilising existing stores of fat. This also explains why the keto diet prioritises foods high in fat.
Ketosis has been scientifically proven to help manage certain health conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, or weight loss management. A keto diet has been found to reduce appetite. It also reduces levels of blood glucose and glycemia (which are elevated when diabetes is present). There are promising studies of the keto diet as a complementary treatment for some types of cancer. Ketosis can help by reducing chronic inflammation. It also targets the chemotherapy toxins at cancer cells, whilst hindering the growth of further cancer cells. A keto diet is especially useful to help treat health conditions, because it can increase ketone production without the need to fast/go without food.
However, efforts to achieve ketosis by a keto diet may create unwanted side effects. For example, you need to carefully follow a keto diet to produce ketosis. Eliminating vast amounts of available foods (not only grains but some vegetables and fruits) often makes this diet impractical or difficult to maintain long-term. A keto diet can result in gastro or cardiovascular side effects. A person following a strict keto diet can develop deficiencies in vitamins A, B6, B12, E, K, and a multitude of minerals including calcium, iron, and magnesium. The keto diet can also increase risk of diabetes. This is due to the emphasis on foods high in cholesterol and saturated fat. In addition, the keto diet has a low intake of foods recommended to reduce the risk of diabetes, such as whole grains and legumes.
?Ketone supplements solve these problems by producing ketosis regardless of the dietary intake of carbohydrates, fat, or protein. Taking an appropriate ketone supplement such as ?HB monoester is a safe and beneficial way to create ketosis other than though diet. Even if the person can maintain a keto diet, they may need supplements to address any resulting micronutrient deficiencies. Alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise and good quality sleep, taking a ketone supplement provides a safe solution for health or weight management.
