Question:

A man survives 5 days without food. What is the brain's primary energy source during this prolonged fasting period?

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In prolonged fasting, the brain shifts from glucose dependence to using ketone bodies.
Updated On: Aug 27, 2026
  • Gluconeogenesis
  • Glycogenolysis
  • Ketosis
  • Lipolysis
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: During prolonged fasting, the liver produces ketone bodies from fatty acids. After a few days of fasting, the brain starts using ketone bodies as a major energy source.

Step 1:
Understand early fasting.
In early fasting, glucose is supplied by glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.

Step 2:
Understand prolonged fasting.
After several days, glycogen stores are depleted and ketone body production increases.

Step 3:
Brain fuel after 5 days.
At around 5 days of starvation, the brain significantly uses: \[ \text{Ketone bodies} \]
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