Ketogenesis and Amino Acids

Just a little something to chew on.

Some amino acids are ketogenic - they can be converted to ketones, which the body can use for fuel. They do not contribute to high blood glucose levels, and, in fact, are the basis of the Keto Diet which has become popular in recent years.

Other amino acids are glucogenic - they can be converted into glucose - blood sugar.  Now, to a non-diabetic, this may not be a problem, but a diabetic wants to be aware of this.

And some are both ketogenic and glucogenic.


The ketogenic aminos are

• Lysine 
• Leucine.

The glucogenic aminos are

• Alanine
• Arginine
• Asparagine
• Aspartic
• Cysteine
• Glutamic
• Glutamine
• Glycine
• Histidine
• Methionine
• Proline
• Serine
• Valine

Those aminos that are both glucogenic and ketogenic are

• Phenylalanine
• Isoleucine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Tyrosine

OK, so far.  Obviously, if one is interested in amino acid supplements in support of a Keto diet, Lysine and Leucine are of interest.

But, another thing hits me.

Aspartic Acid and Phenylalanine are the principle components of Aspartame.  Yeah, I've heard all the horror stories about Aspartame, and it never really concerned me; alarmists, I told myself.  But, on learning this knowledge, it hit me.  If the stuff breaks down in the intestines to these two aminos (and a few other things), how can it not adversely affect blood sugar levels, especially if (like many) one drinks multiple Aspartame containing soft drinks per day?

Just some food for thought.

- Lou