Infants and Ketosis: Everything you need to know

In the second half of pregnancy ketones make up as much as 30% of the required energy by the foetal brain. This clearly shows the importance of ketones in the development of the Brain. Things get more interesting as the pregnancy progresses to the third trimester and during birth, both mom and foetus are naturally in a state of mild ketosis. Babies adapt to using their fat stores as the main source of energy within first few days of birth, this helps in producing more ketones. The stored fat in the babies and the fat from the breast milk is converted to ketones by the Babies. These Ketones provide the energy which the babies need between the feeds and are essential for the development of Brain structures, Ketones work as the building blocks. Human babies are fatter than most of the other mammals, as the require a huge reserve of energy to support higher demands for energy and brain structure development. Another fact is that postnatally the brains dependance on ketones is made possible as infants are normally in a continuous state of mild ketosis (0.2 - 0.5 mM Beta-HBA). This state of Neonatal Ketosis is present regardless of the fact that the infant is has just been fed or is in between two feeds. This shows us one thing that, Ketosis is not a function of food restriction (absence) or hypoglycemia.

Exclusively breast fed babies are in ketosis, this totally normal and natural metabolic state for babies. Ketones also play a important role in the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids needed to build the membranes of the developing nerve cells. In the first 24 months of a baby's life the brain grows to nearly 80% of the size of a adult's brain. The first 24 months are very crucial for brain development hence the role of ketosis and the nutrition in this period is utmost important. Ketone uptake in the babies brain is up to 5 times faster than the brain of a adult.

That is why it important that the food during this period for the mother and the growing baby consists of foods that will support ketosis and help brain development and growth. Examples of such nutrient dense foods are - eggs, meats, organs, brains, viscera and marrow. These are essential nutrients for humans for overall health and brain development. Food which naturally contain fat (omega3 & omega6), Vitamins A, B1, nNiacin, B6, Folate, Vit K, Iron, Iodine, Copper, Zinc, and Selenium.

Vegetarians need to focus on Saturated Fats in the diet like Ghee, Butter, Cheese and combine it with Nuts, Seeds and vegetables like Broccoli, Kale, Moringa, Spinach etc.

Being a Vegan is detrimental to the health of both, the mother and the infant both will be at the risk malnourishment unless supported with a high quality supplement program.

KETOSIS

"This state of Neonatal Ketosis is present regardless of the fact that the infant is has just been fed or is in between two feeds. This shows us one thing that, Ketosis is not a function of food restriction (absence) or hypoglycemia."

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