As with all cells in our body, I know that the brain can get fed from both glucose and ketones, so my question is, given both of them, which one would the brain prefer to utilize first?
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1$\begingroup$ Can you explain what you mean by "preferred"? The brain mostly metabolizes glucose only. $\endgroup$– Bryan Krause ♦Commented Feb 1, 2017 at 16:45
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1$\begingroup$ By preferred, I mean, given the choice for either, which one would it use first @BryanKrause $\endgroup$– LuRsTCommented Feb 1, 2017 at 16:46
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2$\begingroup$ "The brain gets a portion of its fuel requirements from ketone bodies when glucose is less available than normal (e.g., during fasting, strenuous exercise, low carbohydrate, ketogenic diet and in neonates)" from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketone_bodies @BryanKrause $\endgroup$– LuRsTCommented Feb 1, 2017 at 16:49
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3$\begingroup$ Exactly - it is only during those special cases that ketones are even available for metabolism, and the reason ketones are made available is a drop in blood glucose below sufficient levels. $\endgroup$– Bryan Krause ♦Commented Feb 1, 2017 at 17:14
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$\begingroup$ My question comes from learning about en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caprylic_acid which apparently increases ketone bodies in your body even if you aren't in one of those states @BryanKrause $\endgroup$– LuRsTCommented Feb 2, 2017 at 8:23
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2 Answers
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First of all, for those readers with less knowledge of the general principles of biology, I want to state an important, even if obvious, point: The brain doesn't "prefer" anything. Despite being the smartest organ in the body, it is subjected (like any other biological system) to changes in the concentrations of the substances in question, that is, glucose and ketone bodies.
According to a study in rats from 2010, it seems that ketone bodies suppress glucose metabolism in order to conserve glucose when its concentration is too low for the body to be used regularly. Therefore, the ketone bodies are regarded as neuroprotective, since their metabolism prevents the brain cells from starving.
Another study in rats from 2013 emphasizes this point further. Please note the following excerpt from the discussion section:
The brain's ability to switch from glucose oxidation towards ketone bodies requires a type of ‘cerebral metabolic adaptation'. This process is not well understood but is thought to be highly associated with the duration and level of ketosis. Ketones are considered to supply up to 70% of the total energy demands once maximal metabolic adaptation occurs. Blood ketones become elevated during prolonged fasting or with a ketogenic diet reaching a state [of] ketosis and glucose sparing. During this process, monoca[r]boxylic transporters upregulate at the blood–brain barrier with increasing demand for ketone utilization by brain. Recently, investigators have recognized additional therapeutic properties of ketosis, such as neuroprotection after stroke or injury. What remains unclear is whether the neuroprotective or therapeutic properties of ketosis is as a result of changes in the regulation of metabolic signaling pathways...
This means that when the balance of concentrations shifts toward the ketone bodies, they will have precedence over glucose in order to conserve the latter. The mechanism is probably upregulation of ketone bodies receptors and transporters that increase its transport into the brain, as stated above.
Therefore, when the brain is given both ketone bodies and glucose (which actually happens in the fasted state - ketone bodies transport and metabolism in the brain begins when blood glucose is low, not zero), there will be "preference" for the ketone bodies, but this depends on the glucose concentration. If it shifts back, above a certain glucose concentration glucose metabolism is supposed to be renewed.
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1$\begingroup$ Thanks for your answer, I guess this partly answers my question. What's left to know is how much of a difference in concentration does it need to be in order for the brain to use ketones, like someone doing low-carb and consuming Caprylic-Acid, how low carb does that person need to go to get the brain consuming ketone bodies. $\endgroup$– LuRsTCommented Feb 6, 2017 at 9:53
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Long story short. Burning glucose it’s the easiest, most « efficient » and laziest way your body supply energy to your brain. Fat on the other hand is harder to break for the body. But, the ketones produced during the combustion of the fat cells have unsuspected properties making them of a much greater benefit to the brain health, with benefits that includes: better decision making, acute intuition and sereinity. I hope this helps. YO
P.s; Fat is the preferred source of energy but the body will use glucose first (Fast for 3 days, enter ketosis, maintains carb intake under 50g and enjoy feeding u brain ketones for as long as you can). Plus, while writing I remembered that the brain is made out of fat to start with. What is more natural, intuitive and logic than feeding the brain with what look alike?!
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3$\begingroup$ Welcome to Biology.SE. We're looking for long factual answers that provide explanation, context, and references to reliable sources. Don't just give your opinion — instead explain why your answer is right with appropriate citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed especially when they are a poor duplicate of an already existing answer. Please take the tour and then consult the help center pages for additional advice on How to Answer effectively on this site and then delete or edit your answer accordingly. $\endgroup$– tyersomeCommented Dec 23, 2021 at 4:35