The Science of Exogenous Ketones with Dr. Eric Plaisance

Can you gain the anti-inflammatory and longevity benefits of fasting without reducing food intake?

This is the compelling question driving the research of Dr. Eric Plaisance, Associate Professor at the University of Alabama Birmingham. With over a decade of experience studying ketone esters, Dr. Plaisance suggests that ketones are far more than just an alternative fuel source, they are potent signaling molecules that may unlock metabolic health, protect the liver, and support brain function.

In this insightful interview (on the Modern Healthspan podcast) Dr. Plaisance moves past the hype of "fat burning" marketing to look at the grounded science of what exogenous ketones can do for longevity and health.

Watch the Full Interview here:

Summary of discussion points:

·        00:00: Why Ketones Matter Beyond Keto Diets & Fasting

·        03:47: Ketones as Fuel vs. Fatty Acids – Tissue Differences & Glucose Sparing

·        06:16: Ketones as Signaling Molecules – Mimicking Aspects of a Ketogenic Diet?

·        10:01: Differences Between Exogenous Ketones & Long-Term Ketogenic Diet Effects

·        12:40: How Ketone Production Changes With Aging & Metabolic Dysfunction

·        15:57: Do We Always Produce Some Ketones – Even After Meals?

·        17:02: Who Might Benefit Most from Exogenous Ketones? (Inflammation, Cancer, Brain, Heart, Liver)

·        20:49: Potential in Cancer Models (Preliminary Animal Data)

·        21:52: Fatty Liver Disease – Surprising Benefits of Exogenous Ketones

·        23:39: Mechanisms: How Ketones Reduce Liver Fat (Inflammation, Oxidation, etc.)

·        28:01: Effects on Blood Lipids (Triglycerides, Cholesterol)

·        29:35: Alzheimer's, Brain Glucose Metabolism & the "Type 3 Diabetes" Concept

·        32:13: Ketones for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussion Recovery

·        35:12: Anti-Inflammatory Effects in the Brain – Ongoing Research

·        36:47: Why Has Ketone Research Been Relatively Slow? (Misconceptions & History)

·        40:17: Types of Exogenous Ketones: MCTs vs Ketone Salts vs Ketone Esters

·        44:54: Comparing Different Ketone Esters – Rapid vs Sustained Elevation

·        45:37: Tolerability & Side Effects – Salts vs Esters

·        50:11: How Quickly Do Ketones Rise? Duration & Peak Levels

·        52:52: Best Ways to Measure Ketones (Blood, Urine, Breath)

·        55:04: What Ketone Level Is Therapeutically Meaningful?

·        57:53: Typical Doses Used in Human Studies (12–25g)

·        1:00:29: Do Exogenous Ketones Improve Athletic Performance? (Current Evidence)

·        1:02:44: Practical Advice: When, How & How Much to Take Ketones

·        1:06:12: Dr. Plaisance's Personal Reasons for Taking Ketone Esters

·        1:09:44: Which Ketone Claims Are Solid vs. Overhyped? (Honest Assessment)

·        1:13:03: Closing & Where to Follow Dr. Eric Plaisance's Research