Ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate [BHB], acetoacetate, acetone) are produced by hepatic fatty acid oxidation during carbohydrate restriction, fasting, or ketogenic diet consumption. BHB is the most abundant and is structurally and functionally analogous to butyrate — both are HDAC inhibitors and anti-inflammatory signaling molecules.
Microbiome Connection
- The ketogenic diet profoundly alters gut microbiome composition: increases Akkermansia, reduces Bifidobacterium, and shifts SCFA profiles kong 2021 ketogenic diet colitis ilc3 microbiome shirdarreh 2021 ketogenic diet crc microbiota protocol.
- BHB modulates intestinal ILC3 cells and IL-22 production kong 2021 ketogenic diet colitis ilc3 microbiome.
- Clinical applications: epilepsy (established), ASD (emerging), neurodegeneration (investigational) li 2021 ketogenic diet treatment asd review.
Cross-References
- ketogenic diet — intervention producing ketone bodies
- butyrate — structural/functional analogue (both HDAC inhibitors)
- lipid metabolism — hepatic fatty acid oxidation source