Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

How Ketones Burn Fat & Protect Muscle: Dr. Dominic D’Agostino

Mar 31, 2025

Dr. Dominic D’Agostino is a leading expert in ketogenic science and metabolic therapy. He discusses how ketones serve as effective fuel and signaling molecules, promoting fat loss and muscle preservation. Dr. D’Agostino emphasizes his daily pursuit of ketosis and explores the dynamics between protein and ketones. Listeners dive into appetite suppression on a keto diet, the benefits of exogenous ketones, and the role of strength training. He also shares insights on the latest science behind ketosis for performance, metabolic health, and aging.

01:28:59

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Dominic D’Agostino

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Quick takeaways

Dr. D'Agostino emphasizes the importance of a high-protein ketogenic diet for maintaining muscle mass and optimizing energy levels as one ages.

The podcast discusses how ketones effectively suppress appetite and enhance satiety, aiding in fat loss while preserving lean muscle during weight loss.

Emerging research on ketones explores their potential therapeutic applications for chronic diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting exciting future possibilities.

Deep dives

Personal Journey with High Protein Keto

The episode features an in-depth discussion on the personal experiences of Dr. Dominic D'Agostino, who follows a high protein keto diet with a Mediterranean twist. He emphasizes the reasons behind his commitment to nutritional ketosis on a daily basis, noting its impact on energy levels, body composition, and appetite regulation. Dr. D’Agostino's approach includes an increased protein intake to help maintain muscle mass as he ages, highlighting the importance of not falling into muscle loss associated with advanced age. Furthermore, he elaborates on the meticulous balancing of macros—protein, fat, and carbohydrates—within his diet to achieve optimal health benefits.

Intro

2min

Enhancing Health Through Mitochondria and Ketosis

9min

Dietary Insights on Longevity and Health

19min

Unlocking Ketone Monitoring

9min

Unlocking Muscle Strength and Recovery with Mitopure

5min

Optimizing Glycemic Control with Exercise and Ketones

17min

Exploring Ketone Therapy and Mentorship in Research

21min

Innovative Research in Ketogenic Therapy and Mental Health

2min

Exploring Ketone Measurement and Resources for Ketogenic Dieters

4min

Timeline: Get 10% off Mitopure, clinically proven to boost mitophagy. Go to timeline.com/vanessa.

In this powerful episode of The Optimal Protein Podcast, host Vanessa interviews Dr. Dominic D’Agostino, one of the world’s leading researchers in ketogenic science and metabolic therapy.

They dive into how ketones not only serve as a powerful fuel source but also act as metabolic signaling molecules that promote fat loss, protect muscle, and support whole-body health.

Dr. D’Agostino shares why he personally pursues ketosis every day, how ketones interact with protein metabolism, and the key differences between nutritional and exogenous ketones. You’ll also learn how a high-protein ketogenic diet supports appetite regulation, body recomposition, and metabolic flexibility—especially for women in midlife.

If your goals include burning fat, preserving lean muscle, and optimizing energy and cognition, this episode is a must-listen.

🔍 Topics Covered:

• How and why Dr. D’Agostino gets into ketosis every day

• The truth about protein on a ketogenic diet

• Ketones and their impact on muscle protein synthesis and preservation

• Appetite suppression and satiety in a keto-adapted state

• Exogenous ketones: how and when to use them

• The synergy of strength training, protein, and ketones

• Why you test breath acetone ketones

• What the latest science says about ketosis for performance and metabolic health & the future of ketone research in aging, and more

Get 20% off on the Tone Device breath ketone analyzer OR the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy Mask Ketogenicgirl.com with the code VANESSA

Join the Community! Follow Vanessa on instagram to see her meals, recipes, informative posts and much more! Click here @ketogenicgirl

Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast.

Link to join the facebook group for the podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2017506024952802/ The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

🔗 Connect with Dr. D’Agostino:

• Website: https://www.ketonutrition.org

• Instagram: @dominic.dagostino.kt

• Twitter/X: @DominicDAgosti2