# How many energy sources can the body use

**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-energy-sources-can-the-body-use/246012
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [May 19, 2004, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-energy-sources-can-the-body-use/246012 "2004-05-19T18:50:34Z")
**Posts on this page:** 1
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)
#### Post date: [May 19, 2004, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-energy-sources-can-the-body-use/246012/1 "2004-05-19T18:50:34Z")

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I know about protein, fats and carbohydrates. However a few months ago i learned ethanol is converted to acetate and used by the body. I dont know if acetate fits into any of the above 3 categories.

Another energy source is ketones. I think these qualify as fats though.

So aside from the four listed (fats, carbohydrates, acetate and protein) does the body have any other energy sources?