wide variation between urine ketone level and blood ketones

bachries8950

My blood ketone levels seem to be quite low, around 0.5 or so, but yet i'm getting small urine ketone levels or higher. Does anyone have any ideas what is causing the discrepancy?

GaleHawkins

They do not measure the same kind of ketones.

baconslave

Here's a couple good layman's terms synopsis of ketone measurement.
https://ketodietapp.com/Blog/post/2013/11/30/Ketosis-Measuring-Ketones
https://www.ruled.me/measuring-ketosis-keto-sticks-keto-strips/

There are also a few interesting threads on ketones/strips in our Open Threads collection as well:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10423197/open-threads-member-threads-on-low-carb-topics#latest

KnitOrMiss

Short answer - urine ketones show darker due to hydration or dehydration levels...

kpk54

I can't help but wonder why you are engaging in not just 1 but 2 types of ketone tests. Hopefully not for weight loss because one does not have to be in ketosis to lose weight. Ketosis can help with weight loss because it tends to suppress hunger but weight loss will occur only (generally speaking) if you respond behaviorally by not over eating from habit and environmental cues. There are many who are in ketosis and not losing weight.

I'm not anti-keto. I eat very low carb of <50 grams because it does seem to suppress my hunger which makes it easier to adhere to my calories for maintenance. I can still over eat just as many others can and do. Keto foods or otherwise.

If you are testing for a medical issue such as Epilepsy, my opinion based on what I have read is that the blood ketone test results are more reliable. Same is true if you believe the state of ketosis is a healthier state to be in throughout life and you are trying to determine your n=1. Test on.