Hormonal
Infusion of ketone bodies (specifically sodium DL-beta-hydroxybutyrate) directly reduces plasma alanine levels and decreases urinary nitrogen excretion, thereby conserving protein during starvation.
When your body enters a state of ketosis (whether through fasting or a ketogenic diet), it actively reduces the breakdown of muscle protein. This happens because ketone bodies signal the body to lower the release of alanine from muscles, effectively sparing your muscle mass during periods of low food intake.
It is concluded that increased blood ketone acid levels induced by infusions of Na DL-P-hydroxybutyrate result in hypoalaninemia and in nitrogen conservation in starvation.
Why this rating
Controlled clinical study with rigorous controls (NaCl, NaHCO3) and statistical significance (P<0.001), but small sample size (n=9-10) and short duration.
Source
Effect of ketone infusions on amino acid and nitrogen metabolism in man.
R. S. Sherwin et al. · Journal of Clinical Investigation · 1975
DOI 10.1172/jci108057
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