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What are exogenous ketones?

🩺 Health · updated 5 weeks ago · 2 min read
What are exogenous ketones?
Short answerExogenous ketones are ketone supplements you take by mouth. They can raise blood beta-hydroxybutyrate quickly, but they are not the same thing as a ketogenic diet.

Exogenous ketones are ketones you ingest instead of making them through fasting or very low carb eating. In research, they are usually ketone salts or ketone esters, and studies show they can raise blood beta-hydroxybutyrate within hours.

That does not make them a shortcut to the full metabolic state of nutritional ketosis. The main effect is biochemical: blood ketones go up and blood glucose often dips a little. The evidence for long-term benefits is still limited, and some people get stomach upset or other side effects. So the simple answer is that exogenous ketones are a way to raise ketones directly, not a replacement for the diet pattern that produces them naturally.

Sources

PMC — Effects of Exogenous Ketones on Blood beta-OHB and Glucose
PMC — Exogenous ketone supplementation: an emerging tool for manipulation of metabolism

This is general information, not professional medical advice. For decisions about your situation, talk to a qualified professional.

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