Ketone Bodies Chemicals that the body makes when there is not enough insulin in the blood and it must break down fat for its energy.
Ketone bodies can poison and even kill body cells.
The body can also rid itself of one type of ketone, called acetone, through the lungs. This gives the breath a fruity odor. Ketones that build up in the body for a long time lead to serious illness and coma. Ketosis A condition of having ketone bodies build up in body tissues and fluids. The signs of ketosis are nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.