Relatively in depth nutrition question??

[cb25]

OK...I've always been under the impression that the brain can only use glucose for fuel...so that even when the rest of the body uses ketone bodies (when in ketosis...doing atkins, or during starvation) there still needs to be a modicum of gluconeogenesis (to produce glucose) in order for the brain to function...

My physiology professor begs to differ...in fact basically called me an idiot in front of the class for suggesting it...but this is what i remember from my undergrad nutrition degree...am i forgetting something?? or am i just an idiot? (don't answer that second one )

[rambo]

No, the body can run on fats when in ketosis, but the body functions at a less than ideal rate, there are several studies out that show decreased synaptic firing when the brain is running on ketones. That's also why individuals are sluggish during ketosis. Another reason I won't do it. It's often preached in academia that fat is a more "efficient" fuel source, but that's only in a context that doesn't pertain to bodybuilding, and is relevant to the fact that there are 9 calories per gram, as opposed to 4 for protien and carbs.

[longhornDr]

The brain can indeed use ketones as fuel, though it does take several days to adapt to the new fuel.

Why are you arguing basic physiology with a physiology professor?

[SwoleCat]

Why are you arguing basic physiology with a physiology professor?

hahha, roflmfao!!!

~SC~

[cb25]

The brain can indeed use ketones as fuel, though it does take several days to adapt to the new fuel.

Why are you arguing basic physiology with a physiology professor?

ouch...i wasn't arguing...i just asked for clarification, as I thought i recalled differently from a previous nutrition professor...i obviously just confused my info...in no way was i trying to argue...i may be stupid, but definitely not a complete idiot

and yea, i figured out, it just takes a few days to adapt to ketones