Which of the following carbohydrates is the primary source of energy for the brain during periods of fasting or starvation?

A Glucose
B Glycogen
C Ketone bodies ✓
D Lactate

Explanation

During periods of fasting or starvation, the brain adapts to using ketone bodies as its primary source of energy.

Mnemonic

'Ket' for brain's new 'pet' fuel

Source

Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology
Carbohydrate Metabolism Biochemistry Ketogenesis Hard MEDICAL Confidence: high