ketone body

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of three compounds, acetoacetic acid, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, or acetone, that are intermediate in the metabolism of fatty acids and that are found in abnormal quantities in the blood and urine during certain pathological conditions, as diabetes mellitus.

ketone body

noun

1. Also called: acetone body. biochem any of three compounds (acetoacetic acid, 3-hydroxybutanoic acid, and acetone) produced when fatty acids are broken down in the liver to provide a source of energy. Excess ketone bodies are present in the blood and urine of people unable to use glucose as an energy source, as in diabetes and starvation

ketone body

1. A ketone-containing substance that is an intermediate product of the metabolism of fatty acids. Ketone bodies tend to accumulate in the blood and urine of individuals affected by starvation or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ketone body¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

It is about the presence of the ketone body, a substance produced by the liver and used as an energy source when glucose is not available.

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As ketone bodies can be a source of energy, just like carbohydrates and fats, scientists became interested in supplements that would increase ketone body concentrations in the blood without reducing carbohydrate availability.

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There is little correlation between seizure control and blood ketone body levels.

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"With the main ketone body depleting neutrophils, it opens the door for investigating the effects of the keto diet and the ketone supplement on diseases ranging from inflammatory bowel disease to arthritis," Murphy said.

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Initially, most ketone supplements caused gastrointestinal issues and did not sufficiently increase ketone body availability.

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