Ketone Body (Noun)
Meaning
A ketone that is an intermediate product of the breakdown of fats in the body; any of three compounds (acetoacetic acid, acetone, and/or beta-hydroxybutyric acid) found in excess in blood and urine of persons with metabolic disorders.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- A ketone body is a type of compound produced when the body's carbohydrate stores are low and it begins to break down fat for energy.
- Ketone bodies, including acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid, can be measured in the blood or urine to diagnose and monitor metabolic disorders such as diabetes.
- Elevated levels of ketone bodies in the blood and urine are a hallmark of diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes.
- When a person follows a low-carb diet, their body begins to produce ketone bodies as an alternative source of energy.
- Ketone bodies have been linked to various health benefits, including improved blood sugar control and increased energy production in individuals with certain metabolic disorders.