Ketone Body Production and Excretion During Wellness Fasting
Ketoacidosis is sometimes a fatal complication of diabetes mellitus.
Ketone bodies are typically produced in diabetic patients, but also by ketogenic
diets and by fasting.
In the 1970’s the kinetics of ketone bodies were extensively studied after fasting
and exercise. various effects of hormones and fatty acids were reported.
In the 1990’s βHB was found to be more than just a metabolite, having important cellular
signaling roles.19-23 Notably, the inhibitory action on histone-demethylase
opened prospects for therapeutic applications for various diseases.
Recently ketone ester has been recommended as a dietary supplement for athletes.
We have previously proposed the “dual engine” hypothesis to explain shifts in energy
production: Basic ketone engine and booster glucose engine.
However, individual differences in ketone production and the dynamics of ketogenesis
are still unclear. Therefore, we tried to clarify the occurrence of ketogenesis during fasting
by measuring concurrent changes in glucose, ketone bodies, fatty metabolism and various hormonal
changes in both blood and urine.
We recruited study subjects among participants in a comprehensive fasting program, which
included a balanced diet, physical activity, and mind exercises to
achieve a healthy spiritual life.
All participants signed a consent sheet after having received precise explanations about
of the program. The program was approved by the Ethical Committee in the Life Science
Promotion Association.
The schedule and contents of wellness fasting program has been previously reported.
During the 4-days fasting program, participants received a combination of very low-energy
vegetarian diet, physical exercise, meditation, and lectures about healthy lifestyles.
Diabetes Res Open J. 2017; 3(1): 1-8. doi: 10.17140/DROJ-3-129