Acetone

Acetone is produced in the body as a product of ketone body metabolism.

The reaction making acetone can occur non-enzymatically or can be catalyzed by the enzyme acetoacetate decarboxylase. The presence of acetone on a person's breath is a sign they are undergoing ketogenesis - formation of ketone bodies. This can indicate starvation or metabolic anomalies associated with diabetes.

See also: Ketone Bodies, Ketogenesis

INTERNET LINK: Ketone Body Metabolism