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What Are the Potentially Dangerous Ketosis Side Effects?

Cindy Quarters
Cindy Quarters

Ketosis occurs when the body produces ketones as it uses its own fat for energy. Certain diets, notably diets that call for very low levels of carbohydrate intake can trigger this process. Not all health professionals agree that ketones produced by a controlled diet are harmful, but many feel that there are some potentially dangerous ketosis side effects. These may include gout, kidney stones, and the possibility of organ failure.

When people talk about ketosis, they often don’t distinguish the cause or ketone level they are referring to. There is a degree of confusion between ketoacidosis, which is an uncontrolled situation typically triggered by Type 1 diabetes, and dietary ketosis; many refer to both situations simply as ketosis. The level of ketones in the blood from dietary ketosis, typically caused by a low carbohydrate diet, is relatively moderate when compared to the level of ketones resulting from diabetes. Ketoacidosis can result in ketone levels up to ten times higher than dietary ketosis. The difference in the amount of ketones can make a great deal of difference when considering ketosis side effects, since higher levels are more likely to result in problems.

Headaches can be a temporary side effect of ketosis.
Headaches can be a temporary side effect of ketosis.

Ketones in the blood are considered by many to be toxic, especially at high levels; however, not all ketosis side effects are permanent or dangerous. Temporary side effects include feelings of weakness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Constipation or diarrhea can also result from a diet low in carbohydrates. All of these effects typically fade as the body adjusts to the reduced levels of carbohydrates and the resulting increase in ketones.

When fatty acids are broken down in the body, ketones are formed.
When fatty acids are broken down in the body, ketones are formed.

Dangerous ketosis side effects may include an increased risk of heart disease or cancer, but, according to the Mayo Clinic, these have not been proven. There are also possible problems related to the formation of kidney stones or other kidney and liver problems related to the excess of toxins in the blood, as the body works to filter out the additional ketones. Gout, another condition that is related to kidney function and high levels of uric acid, is considered by some to be among the more common ketosis side effects, but there appears to be limited evidence linking the two.

Potentially dangerous ketosis side effects may include the formation of kidney stones.
Potentially dangerous ketosis side effects may include the formation of kidney stones.

According to many researchers, while there is concern over extreme low carbohydrate diets and dietary ketosis, serious problems linked to the presence of ketosis are not necessarily caused by the ketosis. Instead, the ketosis may itself be the result of more serious problems, such as diabetes. Additional long-term studies are needed to clarify any potentially dangerous ketosis side effects.

Discussion Comments

anon1002433

I have concerns about the Keto band wagon where the Keto diet is supposed to help or cure everything. Are there long term studies to substantiate such claims?

SteamLouis

I've read that type 1 diabetics may even die from excessive ketone levels if they are not treated right away.

My friend has type 1 diabetes and she uses ketone test strips at home to check her ketone levels. Once it was very high and she had to be hospitalized. It was scary.

fify

@burcinc-- Although ketosis from a strict diet may be harmless, it's not really possible to know that without getting a ketone test done.

Many overweight individuals actually experience some level of insulin resistance, what we call type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, people may have underlying heart, liver or kidney conditions that they are not aware of. So we can't exactly say that dietary ketosis is entirely harmless. It depends on how high ketone levels are and how they are affecting the body.

If an individual is on a strict diet and starts experiencing issues like fruity breath, dizziness, fatigue and dark smelly urine, it's time to see the doctor for a ketone test.

burcinc

I didn't realize that there is a difference between dietary ketosis and diabetic ketosis. So dietary ketosis caused by the diet is not dangerous?

The article has made a good point. Many sources refer to both types of ketosis as just ketosis. I know that diabetic ketosis is dangerous. So I thought that dietary ketosis is too.

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    • Headaches can be a temporary side effect of ketosis.
      By: Subbotina Anna
      Headaches can be a temporary side effect of ketosis.
    • When fatty acids are broken down in the body, ketones are formed.
      By: molekuul.be
      When fatty acids are broken down in the body, ketones are formed.
    • Potentially dangerous ketosis side effects may include the formation of kidney stones.
      By: airborne77
      Potentially dangerous ketosis side effects may include the formation of kidney stones.
    • One possible ketosis side effect is increased risk of heart disease.
      By: forestpath
      One possible ketosis side effect is increased risk of heart disease.