Keto Advanced Pills: How Do They Help Burn Fat?

Keto diet pills are supplements that claim to help boost energy, burn fat, and lose weight fast. They are targeted at people on the keto diet, which is a low-carb, high-fat approach to weight loss that involves entering a metabolic state known as ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. While the human body naturally produces ketones when breaking down fat for fuel, keto supplements claim to increase ketone levels, help achieve ketosis faster, and ultimately, lose weight. However, there is limited research on the efficacy of keto supplements, and experts do not recommend them due to potential health risks and the possibility of contamination.

Ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)

BHB is the main ketone body in animal circulating blood and is transported to metabolically active tissues such as the brain, muscle, and heart, where it is metabolised into ATP in the TCA circle. The liver can produce up to 300g of ketone bodies per day, providing 5-20% of the body's total energy expenditure.

BHB has been found to have a higher H:C ratio than pyruvate (2 and 1.3, respectively), which means it yields more free energy per mole of oxygen and may produce fewer byproducts of reactive oxygen species. This makes it a more efficient fuel source.

BHB also has important signalling functions, affecting various physiological processes such as gene expression, lipid and protein metabolism, and neuronal function. It is a competitive inhibitor of class I histone deacetylases, which regulate gene expression by deacetylating lysine residues on histone and nonhistone proteins. BHB can also directly modify proteins by lysine β-hydroxybutyrylation, which regulates gene expression.

BHB is also a ligand of two cell surface G-protein-coupled receptors, hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCAR2) and free fatty acid receptor (FFAR), which play important roles in metabolism and metabolic diseases. Activation of these receptors by BHB has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects and protect against liver damage.

In addition, BHB affects the K+ channel and modulates potassium flux across the plasma membrane, inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and ameliorating inflammatory diseases.

Furthermore, BHB has been found to have a beneficial impact on the mucosal immune system, which acts as a barrier against infections. It influences the microbiota barrier, chemical barriers, and physical barriers of the mucosa, although the mechanisms behind these effects are not yet fully understood.

Overall, BHB is a crucial metabolic intermediate and signalling molecule that plays a vital role in energy production, cellular signalling, and immune regulation.

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)

MCTs are a fat source for people who cannot tolerate other types of fats. They are also used for involuntary weight loss in people who are very ill, obesity, seizures, athletic performance, Alzheimer's disease, and many other conditions. However, there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

MCTs can be used as a quick energy source and may support weight loss. They are easily absorbed and transported throughout the body. They can be used as an instant source of energy or can be converted into ketones, which are an alternative energy source for the brain.

MCT oil is a supplement that has become popular among athletes and bodybuilders. It is usually made from coconut or palm kernel oil, which contain MCTs, but it can also be found in dairy products and other foods. MCT oil is easily absorbed and can be used as an energy source or converted into ketones.

MCT oil has been linked to lower calorie intake, which could help with weight management. It may also affect body composition and weight, as some older studies have shown that taking MCT oil can help reduce body weight and waist circumference. However, more recent studies have questioned the quality of these older studies and the potential influence of industry funding.

MCT oil may also have benefits for people with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. One small study found that those who consumed MCT oil daily saw reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and insulin resistance compared to those taking corn oil containing LCTs. However, newer studies on MCTs and blood sugar have shown mixed results.

While MCTs may have potential benefits, they also have some drawbacks. They are saturated fats and can increase blood lipids associated with heart disease. They may also stimulate the release of hunger hormones and lead to fat buildup in the liver if consumed in high doses.

Ketosis

When the body enters ketosis, it switches from using glucose (from carbohydrates) to ketones (from fat) as its primary energy source. Ketones are produced by the liver from the breakdown of fats. These small molecules circulate in the blood and are used by the body's tissues for energy.

The ketogenic diet is a popular approach to weight loss, but it is not the easiest or most sustainable. It involves significantly reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing fat intake, which can lead to various side effects, including the so-called "keto flu." This refers to a group of flu-like symptoms, such as aches, cramping, exhaustion, diarrhoea, constipation, and weakness, that can occur within the first week of starting the diet. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days as the body adjusts.

One of the challenges of the ketogenic diet is that it can be difficult to obtain all the necessary nutrients from food alone. The diet restricts fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, which are important sources of fibre, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. As a result, individuals on the keto diet may need to take supplements to ensure adequate nutrient intake.

Keto supplements, such as pills, powders, and gummies, claim to help individuals achieve and maintain ketosis, boost energy levels, and promote weight loss. However, there is limited research on the efficacy of these supplements, and they may come with potential health risks and financial costs.

Some keto supplements contain ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which is produced by the liver from fats. BHB supplements aim to increase ketone levels in the blood, which may aid in weight loss by using ketones for energy and burning fat. However, the body seeks to maintain a balanced level of ketones to prevent a toxic buildup. When ketone levels are high, the liver may stop producing its own ketones and try to flush out the excess through urination (ketonuria).

Other keto supplements contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat found in coconut and palm oil. MCTs are easily digested and used as an energy source by the body when in ketosis. However, MCTs may cause digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation for some individuals.

While keto supplements may provide a boost for those on the ketogenic diet, it is important to note that they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may not contain what they claim to. Additionally, they can be expensive, and there is a risk of contamination with heavy metals and other contaminants.

Before taking any keto supplements, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional and choose products that have been tested and certified by third-party organizations.

Ketogenic diet

The ketogenic diet, or keto diet, is a low-carb, high-fat diet that offers many health benefits. It involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. This reduction in carbs puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. Ketogenic diets can cause significant reductions in blood sugar and insulin levels, which can lead to improved health outcomes.

The standard ketogenic diet (SKD) typically contains 70% fat, 20% protein, and only 10% carbs. To enter ketosis, you need to limit your carb consumption to around 20 to 50 grams per day and fill up on healthy fats, such as meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and oils. It's also important to moderate your protein intake, as too much can slow your transition into ketosis.

The ketogenic diet has been shown to be an effective way to lose weight and improve health markers. Research indicates that it may be as effective for weight loss as a low-fat diet, and it can also lead to reductions in diastolic blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Additionally, the ketogenic diet can help improve risk factors for heart disease, including body fat, HDL ("good") cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

While the ketogenic diet has many potential benefits, it also has some risks and side effects. It is associated with an increase in "bad" LDL cholesterol and has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Other potential risks include nutrient deficiency, liver and kidney problems, constipation, and fuzzy thinking or mood swings. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor and a registered dietitian before starting a ketogenic diet.

Ketone levels

Keto supplements claim to increase ketone levels, helping users achieve ketosis faster and, in turn, lose weight. Ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a compound that the liver produces from fats, and it is one of the two active ingredients typically found in keto supplements.

When the body is in a state of ketosis, it uses ketones for energy, and these ketones can also stimulate an increase in leptin (the hormone that makes you feel full) while decreasing ghrelin (the hormone that stimulates appetite). As a result, higher ketone levels in the blood can lead to a decreased appetite.

However, it is important to note that the body seeks to maintain a balanced level of ketones to prevent a toxic buildup in the bloodstream. When ketone levels are high, the liver stops producing ketones and tries to flush out the excess in urine, a process known as ketonuria.

While keto supplements claim to increase ketone levels, there is limited research on their effectiveness in achieving ketosis and promoting weight loss. One small study found that obese individuals who followed a low-calorie ketogenic diet and took a BHB salt supplement experienced enhanced ketosis, but it did not seem to boost weight loss compared to those following the keto diet alone.

Additionally, keto supplements may have unintended consequences for health and can be expensive. Therefore, experts do not recommend keto pills or any diet pills, emphasizing that there are few shortcuts to healthy and sustainable weight loss.

Frequently asked questions