Gluconeogenic amino acids are amino acids that the body can use to produce glucose through the process of gluconeogenesis.
This process is particularly important in the context of a ketogenic diet, as with low carbohydrate consumption, the body still requires a certain amount of glucose to support the life of certain cells, including red blood cells and some areas of the brain.
Amino acids are divided into gluconeogenic, ketogenic, and mixed. Gluconeogenic amino acids include:
In a ketogenic diet, gluconeogenic amino acids become the main source for glucose synthesis.
With insufficient protein intake during a ketogenic diet, the body starts breaking down its own proteins, including muscle proteins, to obtain the necessary gluconeogenic amino acids, which can lead to muscle loss.
Therefore, it is important to ensure adequate protein consumption. The optimal amount of protein should be calculated individually, taking into account physical activity and overall health status.
