How a Ketogenic Diet Helps Muscle Metabolism

Dominic D’Agostino is a University of South Florida professor who researches the science and applications of ketone metabolic therapy. Specifically, he has developed and tested a wide variety of ketone esters, ketone salts, and other ketone technologies and ketone supplementation formulas. He also researches ketogenic diets, which are very low-carb diets that profoundly alter metabolic physiology, brain energy, and muscle function. One topic that Dominic D’Agostino has extensive knowledge of is muscle metabolism on a ketogenic diet and in the context of ketone supplementation.

Muscle is one of the body’s most energy-demanding tissues, with sufficient Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) necessary for muscle function. Diet changes impact energy metabolism of ATP, and in turn muscle tissue function. When not on a ketogenic diet, the body relies on inputs such as glycogen for energy, as well as muscle protein amino acids and lipids. Simply put, the fuel consumed by muscles is largely proportional to what we eat and thus can be trained to adapt to a wide variety of fuel sources.

When on a ketogenic diet, the muscles shift to using fatty acids and ketone bodies as a primary source of energy, and this can change the muscle fiber type and function in ways that facilitate adaptation. With Ketosis at its greatest effectiveness during times of metabolic stress, such as when exercising, or intermittent fasting, ketone-induced effects are described as protective of muscles. Some researchers even posit that ketosis may contribute to the preservation of muscle function, structure, and longevity in the long term. Thus, the function role of ketones is not only to energize the brain, but to provide a protein sparing effect that can delay the early onset and progression of age-related muscle wasting known as sarcopenia.

For more information, please visit numerous Blog articles that cover this topic more in-depth on KetoNutrition.org