Ketones are natural organic compounds produced by the liver when the body burns and utilizes fat for energy instead of glucose. This process, known as ketogenesis, occurs during periods of low carbohydrate intake—such as fasting, intense exercise, or following a ketogenic diet.

When glucose (via carbohydrates) is in limited supply, the body naturally shifts to using Ketones as an alternative fuel source, tapping into fat stores to help maintain steady energy levels. This shift allows the brain, muscles, and heart to operate efficiently without relying on carbohydrates.

As a result of ketogenesis, the body goes into ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state when the body has elevated levels of ketones in the blood, primarily as beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), but also acetone and acetoacetate. This state occurs when the body starts efficiently burning fat as its main fuel source due to limited access to glucose. Ketosis is commonly triggered by low-carb diets, like the ketogenic diet, or different types of fasting.

Ketones can provide a stable and efficient energy source that supports mental clarity, physical endurance, and metabolic health. Unlike glucose, which can cause an energy spike followed by a crash, Ketones offer a more consistent and sustainable energy source. Many people use Ketones to reduce energy fluctuations, support weight management and appetite control, and enhance overall performance. Whether you're looking for mental sharpness, improved physical stamina or hunger control, Ketones can help you feel more focused and energized.

Both Ketones and Glucose serve as energy sources for the brain, but they function in different ways. Under normal dietary conditions, Glucose is the brain’s primary fuel. However, during periods of low-carb intake, such as when following a ketogenic diet or fasting, the body produces Ketones from fat. Ketones provide a more stable and efficient energy source for the brain, reducing the risk of energy crashes and supporting sustained cognitive performance. Many people report improved focus, mental clarity, and productivity when their brains are fueled by Ketones rather than glucose.

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is the most abundant and important Ketone in the body, naturally produced during ketosis when the body burns fat for energy. As a primary fuel source for the brain, heart, and muscles, BHB is highly efficient, providing more energy per molecule than glucose. It not only improves mental clarity, endurance, and physical performance but also impacts hunger and fullness, and acts as an antioxidant, helping to modulate inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress. Supplementing with Ketone Esters can support ketosis, boost energy levels, regulate hunger, and enhance both cognitive and athletic performance, even for those not following a strict ketogenic diet.

BHB is the most prevalent, energy efficient Ketone body that is naturally created in the body. 3BHB is a highly concentrated Tri-Ester form of a Ketone Ester molecule comprised of a glycerol backbone with 3 molecules of B-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). 3BHB is very efficient because one molecule of Tri-Ester provides 3 molecules of BHB, unlike a Mono- or Di-Ester that delivers one or two BHBs. Both BHB and 3BHB can be utilized as fuel for the brain, heart and muscles during low carb intake.

Ketone Esters, like 3BHB, can offer several health benefits, particularly for cognitive and metabolic health. They provide an efficient and consistent energy source, reducing brain fog that can be associated with glucose fluctuations. For busy professionals to athletes seeking more energy, Ketone Esters are a great source for the brain, heart and muscles. Additionally, Ketones have antioxidant properties that help protect the body from oxidative stress, supporting overall health.

Ketones play a powerful role in appetite control by directly influencing hunger hormones and brain signaling. Unlike glucose, Ketones act not just as fuel, but as signaling molecules to peptides that affect how we feel hunger and fullness. Elevated Ketone levels have been shown to suppress ghrelin (the "hunger hormone") and enhance the effects of leptin and GLP-1, both of which promote satiety (a feeling of fullness). Supplementing with Ketones can also make intermittent fasting or low-calorie diets more tolerable. Studies suggest that combining ketogenic diets and exogenous Ketone supplements can curb hunger and activate peptide hormones—sometimes even more effectively than calorie restriction alone.

To boost Ketone (BHB) levels in the body and to help the body naturally enter a state of ketosis, you can make Ketones endogenously by fasting or limiting carbohydrate intake, or you can take a Ketone, such as TriKeto™ Energy+ with TriKeto™ 3BHB exogenously as a supplement or medical food.

Naturally produced Ketones are called Endogenous Ketones.

To naturally increase Ketone levels, the body needs to enter ketosis through a low-carb, high-fat diet, such as the ketogenic diet or by fasting, including intermittent fasting.

Ketogenic Diet: 

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat plan that forces the body to burn fat for energy instead of glucose. It includes foods like meat, cheese, eggs, nuts, and above-ground vegetables, while avoiding carbs like bread, pasta, and most fruits. To stay in ketosis, you must limit carbs to under 50 grams per day—ideally under 20 grams. Although effective, the strict carb limits and high fat intake can make it difficult to maintain long-term.

Intermittent Fasting: 

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting, focusing more on when you eat than what you eat. Common methods include 16:8 (16 hours fasting, 8-hour eating window) or alternate-day fasting. During the fasting period, insulin levels drop and the body begins to burn stored fat for energy, which can help promote healthy weight management and metabolic and cognitive health.

Ketone Ester supplements, like TriKeto™ Energy+, are called Exogenous Ketones.

Ketone supplements can help elevate Ketone levels in the body, including supporting appetite regulation, energy, cognition and performance without requiring strict dietary changes.

Ketones and Ketone salts both provide exogenous Ketones to support the body’s transition into ketosis, but they differ in composition and effectiveness. 

Ketones Esters: Ketone Esters, such as TriKeto 3BHB™, are quickly absorbed and provide an efficient energy source to help raise blood levels of Ketones with minimal side effects while avoiding excess salt load.

Ketone Salts: Ketone salts combine BHB with salt-based minerals like Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium or  Calcium. While they do help modestly raise blood Ketone levels, they require a high dose with many grams of salt, which exceeds daily recommended amounts. Additionally, excess salt can contribute to a higher salt load, and often GI side effects, such as bloating.