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Table 1 Ranges of ketone body levels in human plasma in different physiological conditions

From: Ketone bodies: from enemy to friend and guardian angel

Physiological condition

β-Hydroxybutyrate concentration in plasma (range in mmol/l)

Normal circadian variation

0.1–0.4

After prolonged exercise

0.3–2

After 1–2 days of fasting

1–2

After 2–3 weeks of fasting

5–7

After 1–3 weeks of ketogenic diet

0.5–5

During diabetic ketoacidosis

3–25