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Ketones Neuronal Fuel

Meaning

Ketone bodies—specifically beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), acetoacetate, and acetone—are water-soluble molecules produced by the liver during periods of carbohydrate restriction or fasting. These molecules serve as an alternative and highly efficient energy substrate for the brain, particularly when glucose availability is limited or impaired. As a neuronal fuel, ketones bypass the insulin-dependent glucose transport mechanism, offering a stable energy source that can enhance mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress in neural tissue. This metabolic shift is often leveraged for cognitive optimization and therapeutic support in certain neurological conditions.