Ketone bodies in the blood with an important role in the fight against COVID-19
In a new study, researchers are focusing on ketone bodies in the blood. These can play an important role in aging, metabolism and immunity during a respiratory virus infection. This links them to the disproportionate effects of COVID-19 on older adults in terms of death and permanent disability. In addition, these processes can affect age-related comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Those who are infected with the SARS-CoV2 virus usually also suffer from an age-related illness, regardless of their age. The research team therefore considers ketone bodies in the blood as a possible therapeutic agent against coronavirus, seasonal flu and other respiratory infections.
What are ketone bodies in the blood?
Ketone bodies are compounds that arise naturally during fat metabolism. They supply cells with energy and can also reprogram cell functions. A ketogenic diet that is high in fat, low in protein or low in carbohydrates increases the production of the primary ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHB). However, while the purported and reported benefits of tightly controlled nutrition have made ketogenic foods and supplements very popular, researchers point out that they don’t know exactly how BHB biology and physiology affect different systems in the body. In addition, there is still no evidence that a ketogenic diet protects against COVID-19 in any way.
In fact, there may be cases where BHB could promote viral replication of SARS-CoV2. Given that BHB is effective against many of the age-related risk factors for COVID-19 such as heart disease and diabetes, the scientists want to take this unique opportunity to fight the virus. So small clinical studies have shown evidence of feasibility that blood ketone bodies can improve heart function in people with heart failure and important aspects of cognitive health. In addition, BHB is promising in the laboratory against type 2 diabetes and reduces harmful inflammation. The results also showed that the increase in blood ketones largely protects against tissue damage that occurs in severe respiratory infections.
Medical perspectives
Physicians involved in the study plan to test a ketogenic diet on a small group of intubated patients with COVID-19. The hope is that diet will improve oxygen exchange and shorten the length of time for ventilators. The main goal, however, is to reduce the systemic inflammation that leads to the cytokine storm. The latter often drives the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Some survivors also suffer from long-term severe memory loss, extreme exhaustion, and weakness from muscle wasting after a long period in hospital. For this reason, the researchers plan to continue testing the body’s supplementation with ketone bodies in the blood. This can help strengthen muscle function and avoid delirium in those infected. Research is also likely to produce results that could help all of us live better without a pandemic.
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