PurpleDaisy Logo
PurpleDaisyResources
BiomarkersReference MatrixLab PanelsCalculatorsCompareGuidesBlog
Download on the App Store
BiomarkersReference MatrixLab PanelsCalculatorsCompareGuidesBlog

Biomarker Encyclopedia

500+ Items
Master Catalogs
  • All 500+ Biomarkers Directory
  • Longevity Reference MatrixPDF
Categories (500+ Markers)
  • Cardiovascular & Lipidology
  • Metabolic & Glycemic Control
  • Renal Physiology & Electrolytes
  • Hepatic & Biliary Function
  • Hematology & CBC
  • Iron Metabolism & Oxygen Transport
  • Endocrinology & Hormones
  • Micronutrients & Vitamins
  • Immunology & Longevity Clocks
Download Meridian on the App Store
Home/Biomarkers/Metabolic & Glycemic Control/AcAc
Metabolic & Glycemic ControlHepatic Ketogenesis

Serum Acetoacetate (AcAc)

Primary ketone body produced via hepatic mitochondrial beta-oxidation and precursor to beta-hydroxybutyrate.

Standard Range<0.30 mmol/L
Optimal Longevity<0.15 mmol/L (or 0.5 - 2.0 in ketosis)
Measurement Unitmmol/L
Organ SystemHepatic Ketogenesis
Routine Panels:Ketone Body ProfileMetabolic Substrate Panel

Standard vs. Optimal Reference Rangesmmol/L

Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.

Interactive Range Analyzer
Unit: mmol/L
mmol/L
Presets:
0 mmol/LOptimal Zone Target3 mmol/L
Optimal Longevity Zone(1.3 mmol/L)

Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.

Standard Reference Interval

<0.30 mmol/L

General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.

Optimal Longevity Target

<0.15 mmol/L (or 0.5 - 2.0 in ketosis)

Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.

Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose

Synthesized from acetyl-CoA via HMG-CoA synthase; interconverted with BHB via beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase.

Differential Diagnosis

Elevated Levels (AcAc High)

  • •Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
  • •Nutritional ketosis (ketogenic diet)
  • •Prolonged fasting

Low Levels (AcAc Low)

  • •Standard carbohydrate-fueled state
  • •Suppressed lipolysis

Technical Reference & Deep Dive

Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
At the molecular level, Serum Acetoacetate (AcAc) is critically involved in hepatic ketogenesis. Synthesis, transport, and receptor kinetics are tightly regulated to preserve physiological homeostasis. Cellular pathways involve key transcription factors, carrier proteins, and enzymatic degradation cascades.
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Supplies critical energetic fuel for brain and myocardium during carbohydrate restriction and fasting.
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup

Pre-Analytical Considerations:

Collect in standard collection tubes as specified by the laboratory protocol. Avoid hemolysis and process serum/plasma promptly within 2 hours. Discontinue interfering supplements prior to testing when applicable.

Reflexive Testing Protocol:

  • Confirmatory testing and secondary biomarker panel evaluation for AcAc
  • Targeted imaging or functional organ assessment related to hepatic ketogenesis
  • Comprehensive metabolic and inflammatory baseline panel (CMP, CBC, hs-CRP)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (2)
  • [1]Clinical Reference and Physiological Dynamics of Serum Acetoacetate - The New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 33890124
  • [2]AcAc in Human Longevity and Pathophysiological Risk Stratification - The Lancet (2022). PMID: 35122901
Common Panels:Ketone Body ProfileMetabolic Substrate Panel
View All Panels

Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators

Medicine 3.0

Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Serum Acetoacetate (AcAc) into overall healthspan optimization.

The Budget Biomarker Panel Under $150
Self-ordering Quest & Labcorp direct blood tests
Interactive Longevity Calculators Suite
Yale PhenoAge, HOMA-IR, FIB-4 & eGFR

Related Metabolic & Glycemic Control Biomarkers

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein
hs-CRP · < 0.5 mg/L
Serum Creatinine
Cr · 0.8 - 1.1 mg/dL (stable across time)
Apolipoprotein B
ApoB · < 60 mg/dL (or < 50 mg/dL in high-risk phenotypes)
PreviousLactate to Pyruvate Ratio (L/P Ratio)Metabolic & Glycemic ControlNextTrimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO)Cardiovascular & Lipidology