La diet Keto (short for keto o ketogenic) is a dietary regimen that is low in carbohydrates e high fat content, with a moderate amount of protein. The main goal is to induce a metabolic state called the ketosis, in which the body, not having enough glucose (from carbohydrates), begins to burn fat as its main source of energy, producing compounds called ketones.
But what is ketosis? Under normal conditions, the body uses carbohydrates as the main source of energy. However, in the absence or low amounts of carbohydrates, the body begins to turn to fats and, in some circumstances, to protein for energy.
When the body burns fat for energy, the following are created ketones. This is the basis of ketogenic diets, where the body enters a state of ketosis. In practice, ketones are energy molecules produced from the fatty acids during lipolysis. But if the diet is not well formulated, the body may not only burn fat but also tap into muscle protein to obtain energy. When proteins are broken down into amino acids, some of which can be converted to ketones through a process called glucogenesis (formation of glucose from non-glucose precursors, such as amino acids).
When does ketone production from protein become problematic?
While a ketogenic (which induces fat ketosis) is well tolerated by many people in therapeutic and weight loss settings, the reliance on protein to produce ketones could lead to several issues, as listed below:
- renal stress: the protein degradation produces nitrogenous wastes (mainly urea) that must be filtered and eliminated by the kidneys. The risk is that excessive protein consumption can put pressure on the kidneys, causing renal stress and increasing the risk of kidney damage, especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease.
- loss of muscle mass: When the body is in extreme caloric deficit, muscle is used to produce energy. Muscle loss, in addition to impairing long-term metabolism, can lead to physical debilitation and reduced functional capacity.
- Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration: Ketone production requires water to be eliminated via urine, and excessive protein loading can further increase the risk of dehydration. Dehydration can alter levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium and other essential minerals, causing muscle cramps, nausea, fatigue
Ketoacidosis: Although ketosis is a safe physiological process under conditions of a low-carbohydrate diet, ketoacidosis is a dangerous condition that occurs when ketones reach toxic levels in the blood. Protein ketoacidosis is less common, but can occur in individuals who consume large amounts of protein without adequate carbohydrate intake.
VLEKT diets and ketone production from adipose tissue fat
A well-formulated diet (such as a classic ketogenic or a VLEKT (Very Low Energy Keto diet Therapy)) ensures a moderate protein, high in good fats, e very low in carbohydrates, promoting a physiological and non-pathological ketosis ..
VLEKT diets are formulated to manage any potentially harmful effects so safe. There are guidelines on these types of diets developed by the Italian Society of Endocrinology and the European Association for the Study of Obesity that form the basis for the development of ketogenic diet plans. So no considered, also, by the scientific community as a reference dietary intervention for weight loss leading to significant results in the short, medium and long term in both weight loss and body recomposition and key metabolic parameters.
The diet consists of 4 phases, the first two of which must be done EXCLUSIVELY with meal replacement foods for the following reasons
- It ensures accuracy In calorie restriction and macronutrient composition – Prevents deficiencies vitamin-mineral and imbalances
- Increases satiety, improving adherence
- Reduces renal load, especially with protein isolate
- Makes the protocol easily monitorable
This makes VLEKTs effective and safe.
I would like at this point to clearly and concisely fix the difference between a high-protein diet with homemade foods (very popular online) that draws energy from protein and a VLEKT diet that draws energy from lipids
Lipid ketosis (physiological, safe, sustainable)
- Preserves muscle mass.: The body does not need to catabolize muscle protein to produce energy.
- Reduced renal load: The kidneys should not eliminate excessive amounts of nitrogen (urea).
- Increased metabolic efficiency: Fats are an ideal substrate for ketogenesis; they produce more energy per gram than proteins.
- Stable and controllable state of ketosis.
- È sustainable In the medium to long term (in a therapeutic context)
Protein ketosis (suboptimal, potentially harmful)
- Muscle Catabolism: The body degrades body protein (muscle) to derive energy substrates.
- High renal load: Excess amino acids leads to a surplus of nitrogenous wastes (urea, ammonia) that the kidneys have to dispose of. In the long term, this can stress kidney function.
- Inefficient energy yield: Ketogenesis from protein is a process that is metabolically more expensive than ketogenesis from lipids.
- Unstable or insufficient ketosis: Excess protein can stimulate the production of glucose, hindering actual ketosis.
One last aspect, as the British say last but not least i.e. the last mentioned but as important as the others, is the yo-yo effect. Those who have tried these kinds of diets know that the risk of regaining all the pounds lost and maybe even with interest is really high!
The maintenance phase is the most difficult and critical time to manage as it is necessary to change the lifestyle and here begins the hardest work for both the patient and the Nutritionist.
The key to avoiding the yo-yo effect is to adopt lasting lifestyle changes. It is not enough just to lose weight; it is necessary to modify eating behaviors and physical activity. In light of this, the relationship with the professional does not end once the weight is lost but continues and serves:
Continuous monitoring of weight and eating habits.
Doing regular physical activity (walking, weight training, yoga)..
A Psychological Support to manage emotional difficulties and hunger pangs.
Ketosis from lipids vs. from proteins
| KETO DIETS FROM LIPIDS (VLEKT) | KETO DIETS FROM PROTEIN (HIGH-PROTEIN) | |
| RENI | ✅ Reduced renal load: The kidneys should not eliminate excessive amounts of nitrogen (urea) | ⚠ High renal load
The excess of amino acids leads to a surplus of nitrogenous wastes (urea, ammonia) that the kidneys have to dispose of. In the long term, this can stress kidney function. |
| MUSCLE | ✅ Preserves the mass
muscle: The body does not need to catabolize muscle protein to produce energy. |
⚠ Muscle catabolism The body degrades body protein (muscle) to derive energy substrates. |
| ENERGY EFFICIENCY | ✅ Increased efficiency
metabolic: Fats are an ideal substrate for ketogenesis; they produce more energy per gram than protein |
⚠ Inefficient energy yield: Ketogenesis from protein is a process that is
metabolically more expensive than ketogenesis from lipids. |
| STATE OF KETOSIS | ✅ Stable and controllable state of ketosis | ⚠ Unstable ketosis or
insufficient: Excess protein can stimulate the production of glucose, hindering actual ketosis. |
