Exogenous ketones and a ketogenic diet

Many are familiar with ketogenic diets and ketosis, but lets remind you, ketosis is classified by blood ketones presence where typically at or above the threshold of 0.5 mmol/L, easily measured.

Until the introduction of exogenous ketones, the word ketosis implied that the ketones in your blood were your own (endogenous ketones), and the only way of arriving at ketosis was through fasting, reducing carbohydrate significantly (i.e., ketogenic diets), and/or prolonged endurance exercise. Ketogenic diets require chronic carbohydrate restriction and work by depleting the body of its finite carbohydrate / glycogen stores (liver, muscle glycogen), limiting glucose availability, and suppressing a master hormone insulin.

Today, we have alternative ways of achieving the state of ketosis; these use our understanding of biochemical processes and the need to adhere to a strict ketogenic diet or fast for several days - and use of exogenous ketones.

Exogenous ketones are ketones that are synthesized outside of the body (not our liver) and taken as a supplement in various forms. Exogenous ketones rapidly elevate blood ketone levels independent of what you eat or how much glycogen is stored in your liver.

Is there an advantage to exogenous ketones over a ketogenic diet?

While endogenously and exogenously induced ketosis share lots in common, these two avenues are not quite identical. The differences is where the source of ketones - endogenous (making ketones) and exogenous (taking ketones) - representing two distinct metabolic states that are important to differentiate because these differences can influence their applications. Importantly, exogenous ketones induce ketosis rapidly in the glycogen replete state versus ketogenic diets where ketosis happens gradual over several days as part of glycogen depletion.

Further research is ongoing and it’s always prudent to be informed and up to date with the current research findings. Something that is important for us at GloNua is to take that information and help you understand it. Many facets of the Keto diet and supplements are pending on one’s goals and lifestyle habits, always read a liitle around them and get informed on the applications of ketone supplementation.

Exogenous ketones may offer an advantage when it comes to some diseases and the management there of as a ketogenic diets can be difficult to adhere to. The ketogenic diets may be more effective for other metabolic disorders suchas excess sugar consumption leading to insulin resistance and obesity. Then a carbohydrate restriction component aspect of a Keto diet can really make a differance.

Ketones serve your body well in your journey towards better metabolism, immunity and rejuvenation.