Rhonda Patrick· PhD
We know that ketones are more than just a metabolite. They are more than just an energy metabolite that the brain can use, but they are metabolites, especially beta-hydroxybutyrate, are very powerful signaling molecules.
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The headline is broadly defensible, but the qualifications matter. Effect sizes vary by population, the strongest claims rest on shorter trials, and credible voices push back on how it's typically framed.
We know that ketones are more than just a metabolite. They are more than just an energy metabolite that the brain can use, but they are metabolites, especially beta-hydroxybutyrate, are very powerful signaling molecules.
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The ketone is unique because on one hand it's a nutrient. It's a calorie to be burned but at the other hand it's a signaling molecule and it is known to elicit some of its signaling like anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant effects. Part of it is through changes elicited because of a groin coupled receptor where it does have a cell surface receptor that it will activate.