Ketone level
Allulose StoreThe image shows a comprehensive diagram of the different levels of ketosis, where blood ketone levels (mmol/L) change over time, alongside various fasting periods.
Key points
Baseline ketone level
Between 0.0 – 0.5 mmol/L, with normal nutrition.
Onset of fat burning
Starts after approx. 24 hours of fasting, when the ketone level reaches 1.0 mmol/L.
Optimal fat burning
Experienced after 36 hours of fasting at a ketone level of approximately 2.0 mmol/L; this is considered the optimal "ketone zone."
Rapid fat burning
After 48 hours of fasting, the ketone level rises to approximately 3.0 mmol/L, resulting in more intensive fat burning.
The diagram distinguishes between the following types of ketosis
1. Nutritional ketosis
Moderate ketone level, typically between 0.5–3.0 mmol/L.
2. Post-workout ketosis
A similarly moderate, short-lived increase.
3. Starvation ketosis
Develops after prolonged fasting, with higher ketone levels.
4. Ketoacidosis
Rare in healthy individuals; it can occur at dangerous, very high blood ketone levels (usually above 10 mmol/L), mainly in case of insulin deficiency.
The bottom line
Fasting and carbohydrate restriction increase blood ketone levels, which promotes fat burning, but it is only safe up to a certain level.
Extremely high ketone levels can pose health risks.
