Anabolic and anticatabolic actions of ketone bodies on skeletal muscle: potential relevance in the management of skeletal muscle wasting

This review examines evidence on ketone body administration and its influence on skeletal muscle protein turnover and related signaling, with attention to muscle wasting and rehabilitation. It reports that oral ketone supplementation has been shown to enhance postprandial muscle protein synthesis in healthy young males. Under inflammatory catabolic conditions, ketone bodies may promote a favorable net protein balance by suppressing muscle protein breakdown. The authors state that further studies are needed to clarify mechanisms and assess long-term effects on muscle mass and function in clinical settings.