Who should not take ketones?

Understanding Ketones and Their Use
Ketones are compounds produced by the liver during the breakdown of fats, particularly when carbohydrate intake is low. They serve as an alternative energy source for the body, especially the brain, when glucose levels are insufficient. While exogenous ketones—supplements that provide these compounds—are marketed for various benefits, including weight loss and enhanced athletic performance, they are not suitable for everyone.
Who Should Avoid Ketone Supplements?
1. Individuals with Diabetes: Those with diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes, should exercise caution. High levels of ketones can lead to a dangerous condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), where the blood becomes too acidic. This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. People with diabetes should consult their healthcare provider before considering ketone supplements.
2. People with Kidney Issues: The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste products from the blood, including excess ketones. For individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions, the additional burden of processing exogenous ketones can exacerbate their health issues. Therefore, those with kidney disease should avoid these supplements unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
3. Pregnant or Nursing Women: There is limited research on the safety of ketone supplements during pregnancy and lactation. The potential effects on fetal development or nursing infants are not well understood, making it prudent for pregnant or nursing women to avoid these products.
4. Individuals with Liver Disease: Since ketones are produced in the liver, those with liver disease may face complications from taking ketone supplements. The liver’s ability to metabolize these compounds could be impaired, leading to adverse effects.
5. People on Certain Medications: Some medications, particularly those that affect blood sugar levels or electrolyte balance, may interact negatively with ketone supplements. It is essential for individuals on such medications to consult their healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
6. Those with a History of Eating Disorders: For individuals with a history of eating disorders, the use of ketone supplements may trigger unhealthy behaviors or attitudes towards food and body image. The focus on weight loss and dietary restrictions can be detrimental to their recovery.
Conclusion
While exogenous ketones can offer benefits for some, they are not universally safe. Individuals with diabetes, kidney or liver issues, pregnant or nursing women, those on specific medications, and individuals with a history of eating disorders should approach these supplements with caution. Consulting a healthcare provider is crucial to ensure safety and appropriateness based on individual health conditions and needs.

Are ketones bad for your heart?

Research has also shown ketone bodies may provide additional cardiovascular benefits impacting endothelial function, inflammation, cardiac remodeling and mitochondrial function. These benefits could be achieved through the keto diet, but long-term compliance to the diet is low, often due to gastrointestinal distress.

Who is not a candidate for keto diet?

Anyone with a mitochondrial disorder should avoid it without first meeting with a keto-trained clinician, and anyone taking insulin should consult with a medical doctor before embarking on it. People with complicated food and social histories may have a hard time sticking with it.

What organs do ketones affect?

Ketone bodies can be used as fuel in the heart, brain and muscle, but not the liver. They yield 2 guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and 22 adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules per acetoacetate molecule when oxidized in the mitochondria.

Is keto bad for your kidneys?

Some complications associated with the ketogenic diet include renal impairment and decreased bone density [1]. Renal dysfunction associated with the ketogenic diet has been reported in individuals with underlying kidney disease exposed to high protein.

Can ketones damage kidneys?

Some complications associated with the ketogenic diet include renal impairment and decreased bone density [1]. Renal dysfunction associated with the ketogenic diet has been reported in individuals with underlying kidney disease exposed to high protein.

Does keto cause clogged arteries?

Ketogenic diets appear to lower blood levels of triglycerides but raise levels of artery-clogging LDL cholesterol. With respect to lowering blood sugar and blood pressure, the observed short-term benefits fade over time.

What medications should not be taken with keto?

The following drugs can negatively affect ketosis and can interfere with your keto and intermittent fasting results: Metformin Insulin Steroids Antidepressants Statins Metformin and insulin are often taken by diabetics. They interfere with ketosis because they raise insulin levels in the body.

What are the risks of ketones in the body?

Buildup of ketone concentration in the blood that could potentially result in a drop of blood pH levels can lead to ketoacidosis, a devastating complication [73].

Who is keto not recommended for?

TABLE 2.

Main contraindications	Main arguments in support of contraindications
Pregnancy and breastfeeding	Ketoacidosis
Cardiac arrhythmias	Sudden death and cardiomyopathy
Recent stroke or myocardial infarction	Increased risk of arrhythmia
Heart failure	Increased risk of arrhythmia, hydroelectrolitic alterations

Who cannot take keto?

Keto is not safe for those with any conditions involving their pancreas, liver, thyroid or gallbladder. Someone new to the keto diet can also experience what’s called the “keto flu” with symptoms like upset stomach, dizziness, decreased energy, and mood swings caused by your body adapting to ketosis.