When people don't eat for 3 days, their body produces more ketones (a type of fuel made from fat), which can be measured as rising levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate in the blood.
Scientific Claim
During acute starvation in healthy young adults, plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate levels increase progressively from baseline to 72 hours, indicating increased ketone body production for energy.
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study design (cohort study) can describe associations between starvation and physiological changes. The claim uses 'increase' which appropriately reflects the observed association.
Source Excerpt
“There was a progressive rise in P-hydroxybutyrate levels during starvation (Fig. 3 ; time effect P < 0.001, ANOVA).”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting Evidence (1)
The study measured beta-hydroxybutyrate levels at multiple time points during starvation and found a statistically significant progressive increase, indicating increased ketone body production.
The cardiovascular, metabolic and hormonal changes accompanying acute starvation in men and women