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Endogenous Ketogenesis

Meaning

Endogenous Ketogenesis is the natural, internal metabolic process, primarily occurring within the liver mitochondria, responsible for the de novo synthesis of ketone bodies from the breakdown of fatty acids. This physiological state is a critical adaptation for survival, providing an alternative fuel source for extrahepatic tissues, especially the brain, during prolonged fasting, starvation, or carbohydrate-restricted diets. The initiation of this pathway signifies a fundamental shift in systemic fuel metabolism from glucose-centricity to fat utilization.