Ketoosi

Ketoosi, or ketosis, is a metabolic state in which the body increases the production and circulation of ketone bodies in response to limited carbohydrate availability. This shift prompts the liver to convert fatty acids into ketone bodies such as acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone, which can be used as alternative energy sources by many tissues, including the brain.

Causes of ketosis include fasting, very low-carbohydrate diets (ketogenic diets), prolonged exercise, and, in some cases, insulin deficiency in diabetes. Ketosis is a normal physiological process that can occur in healthy individuals during periods of fasting or carbohydrate restriction, and it can be influenced by factors such as hydration and electrolyte balance.

Ketosis must be distinguished from ketoacidosis, a dangerous condition characterized by excessive ketone production accompanied by metabolic acidosis and high blood glucose, most commonly seen in uncontrolled diabetes or severe dehydration. While ketosis at moderate levels is generally well tolerated, ketoacidosis requires urgent medical attention.

Clinical contexts and uses vary. Nutritional ketosis is a goal of ketogenic diets used for weight management or metabolic health in some people, and ketogenic strategies have a long history of use in drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly in children. Ongoing research examines potential roles of ketosis in other conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain neurological disorders, but the evidence is variable and context-dependent.

Monitoring of ketosis can be done via blood, breath, or urine tests, which measure different ketone bodies. Ketone levels and their interpretation depend on the individual’s health status, dietary pattern, and presence of underlying conditions. In languages such as Finnish or Estonian, the term ketoosi is used to refer to this metabolic state.