The Complete Book of Ketones: A Practical Guide to Ketogenic Diets and Ketone Supplements

A review of The Complete Book of Ketones by Dr. Mary NewportThis unique, cutting edge work brings together all the research and information related to ketones in one volume. It has the potential to be of benefit for those suffering from various chronic diseases, as well as for researchers who are looking for another avenue or tool to help individuals. Dr. Newport (a medical doctor) found that ketone products greatly helped her husband, Steve, who had Alzheimer’s. This is because ketones act as an alternative fuel for the brain. With further research she found that people with other chronic diseases also benefited from products containing ketones. There is a growing number of studies in various locations supporting these benefits. Dr. Newport also discusses the benefits of the ketogenic diet. But since it’s so difficult for many to stay on this strict regimen, that’s where ketone products can be of great benefit.One quick note of clarification: ketone products are not products one uses for a ketogenic diet. They are products that contain ketones and may or may not be used in addition to a ketogenic diet.Dr. Newport covers the key people in the history of ketones and the development of products including: Dr. Stephen Cunnane (pp.158-162, 236,280-281), Dr. Dominic D’Agostino (pp.170-174, 255), and Dr. Sami Hashim (pp.136-140, 352-353).For the reader here are some of the most profound and helpful points:*Ketones act as an alternate fuel for the brain (and other organs)*Seniors (without dementia) have an energy deficit in their brain of around 7% (p.161). There is a higher percentage for mild cognitive impairment, and higher yet for Alzheimer’s disease. Much of this deficit can be alleviated with MCT oil, which is converted to ketones in the liver (pp.160-1, 280-281) On p.281 it mentions that a study by Dr. Cunnane on this topic was to be published soon. That study was later published in Nature in 2020. You can Google it under the title: “Brain energy rescue: an emerging therapeutic concept for neurodegenerative disorders of ageing”. While it’s quite likely that other ketone products could provide the same results that would need to be tested for verification. Dr. Newport’s husband had amazing results with the ketones in coconut oil. Later she combined coconut oil and MCT oil for reasons based on research and discussed in her book (e.g. p.328). She found a certain ratio worked best with these oils and presents this on p.383, along with suggestions for an easy way to mix them together.*Alzheimer’s and other dementias can have its beginning up to 20 years earlier so it may well be that this dreaded disease can possibly be delayed and then moderated by taking some MCT and/or coconut oil daily (and/or other products containing ketones). As mentioned, Dr. Newport used a combination for her husband and got some dramatic results. Many others have found the benefits from using ketone products for a loved one (including in my own present situation). It would be of great interest if one of those multi-decades research projects were to take place with a large population where they are followed for life, if they were to take MCT oil or a combination of coconut and MCT oil daily. Possibly one group could take MCT oil and the other could consume a combination of the oils. Then we could see how many still get early onset Alzheimer’s and which ones get this after age 65. We could then see if it was delayed for many years, and if fewer people ever got this dreaded disease. They would potentially be taking this alternative fuel for the brain before any damage had taken place. It would be of great interest to see the possible benefits and to compare all of this with the general population.*Alzheimer’s is now viewed as a Type 3 diabetes. While there is an impaired glucose uptake, Ketones can still get through to the brain as an alternate fuel.*In addition, there is something called a ketone ester that is more concentrated. However, there are two areas that need a breakthrough if this is ever to become more widely available and useful for the public: the terrible taste, and the very high expense. For a stunning observation of the benefits for one person (Dr. Newport’s husband) see pp. xi-xii. The ketone ester is also discussed on pp.8, 18-19, 286, 292, 309, 351-353, 356-357 and pp.260-264. On p.139 Dr. Sami Hashim also developed a ketone ester but this has not been made public to date.*As mentioned, this important work covers much more than help for Alzheimer’s disease through the use of ketone supplements as well as ketogenic diets. Here are some other chronic diseases that may be helped with the use of ketones:*Parkinsons pp.106, 135, 139-140, 164-166, 229, 284*Diabetes (most effective for Type 2 but still helpful for Type 1) pp.23, 38, 42, 111, 209,248-249,305-306, 355, 549). For more information on Type 1 see her first book, pp.219-220.*Cancer (pp.122-123, 174-190, 173, 178-179, 181-185, 242, 286-287, 311-312).*Epilepsy (pp.115-121)*Traumatic brain injury (pp. 136, 155)Several other chronic diseases are covered briefly.*While Dr. Newport covers various keto diets (pp.195-226) she also provides other methods for going keto (pp.227-265). In addition, suggestions for those who find the ketogenic diet too difficult to maintain are provided e.g. the Mediterranean diet, and the whole food diet (pp.112-114, 284-285).*There are some additional surprises along the way e.g. premature babies have been given MCT oil since the 1970’s since it can help them gain weight more quickly (p.138); about 10 to 17% of the fats in a mother’s breast milk are medium chain triglycerides (MCT’s, p.86). The use of ketones and the keto diet improves athletic performance (pp.190-194, 260-263, 303-304, 351 and p.353) and walking at a moderate pace increases the ketone levels in your blood (p.236).*Like any good doctor, the author is very careful to suggest checking with your own doctor before going on a keto diet or taking any of the products. She also warns of certain health challenges with the keto diet (pp.301-315) as well as when products containing ketones would not be of benefit and could even cause challenges (255-256). Other concerns are found on pages 267, 298-99, 301-315 and 347-350.Research studies supporting each chapter are found near the back of the book (pp.359-381).An inexpensive way to take ketone oils is described on p.383. Costco sells a large container for a reasonable price.Recipes that are “keto friendly” are found on pages 384-430.Resources on ketones are found on pages 431-441.Her previous two books are also valuable and there will be a fourth work coming out in 2022.This review does not do justice to all that is found in densely packed volume.I think history will look back upon her well-researched works and world-wide speaking engagements as a turning point in helping the general public to become more aware and informed of the benefits of ketones.

If you're into this stuff, this is an awesome book. I learned quite a bit about this stuff. This book is a great read.

A must read if you are interested in metabolic syndrome.

minus one: 1/4-1/3 of the book seems to be preaching about low carb lifestyleeverything else: great. A ton of very nice technical information about ketones

I am following Mary’s protocol in the book with the oils, and it works well with my wife, as she has Alzheimer’s. I recommend it for any kind of Dementia or Parkinson’s treatment.

I enjoyed reading this book. There is a lot of information presented in a way it can be easily understood. The writing is breezy and easy to read. It can be read in a 'stop and start' way or straight through. I would recommend it for anyone interested in ketones or ketosis.

I love Mary Newport, her personal story and her genuine passion to help as many people as possible with her extensive knowledge and education on ketones. I’ve been drinking them for 3 yrs. now consistently and her book is very helpful.

More medical/technical, expected more of a laypersons book.

Great book based on factual scientific reports.

one of the best books in ketogenic lifestile

Uitgebreide info over ketonen en het belang van kokosolie rn mct-olie bij Alzheimer en andere ziektebeelden waarbij er sprake is van verminderde werking hersenen en hersenmist. Duidelijke uitleg over de diverse typen en bestanddelen van de olie en hoe te gebruiken, welke hoeveelheden etc. Aanrader.

Probably the best book I have ever read on medicine and certainly the best book I have read on the subject of diet.Written by someone who is an experienced medical doctor and has successfully used a ketone diet. She is prepared to criticise medical orthodoxy and backs it up with hard data and excellent references.She strikes just the right tone between the medical and technical aspects of the subject and making a very readable book for the lay person. She never underestimates the readers intelligence which a welcome and refreshing change in the world of diet books.

Pour ma connaissance de régie me ketonique, c’est plutôt une histoire personnelle