What are ketones? When are they produced? How are they produced? What is their purpose?

What are ketones? Ketones are a type of chemical substance that your liver produces when it breaks down fats. They are a type of organic compound that contains a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two hydrocarbon groups.

When are they produced? Ketones are produced when your body doesn't have enough insulin to turn glucose into energy and starts to break down stored fat instead. This can happen when you're fasting, following a low-carb diet (like the ketogenic diet), or exercising for a long period of time.

How are they produced? Ketones are produced in the liver from the breakdown of fats. This process is known as ketogenesis. When the body doesn't have enough glucose for energy, it burns stored fats instead, resulting in a build-up of acids called ketones within the body.

What is their purpose? The purpose of ketones is to serve as an alternative energy source for the body when glucose (the body's main source of energy) is in short supply. They can be used by all tissues in the body, including the brain, which is important because the brain cannot use fat directly for energy.