A novel keto8enic compound is provided having general: Formula R(OCH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2C(O)).sub.n--O-A wherein n is an integer of 3 to 10, A is the residue of a 3-keto alkan-1-ol and R is selected from the group consisting of H, C1-C6 alkyl and acetoacetyl- Preferred compounds are those wherein A is a residue is of 4-hydroxy-2 butanone. A particularly preferred compound is a 4-hydroxy-2-butanone ester of an R-3-hydroxybutyrate oligomer having general: Formula H(OCH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2C(O)).sub.n--O--CH.sub.2--CH.sub.2--(CO)--CH.sub.3 Nutraceutical and pharmaceutical compositions are provided for use in treating one or more of acute trauma, hemorrhagic shock, neurodegeneration, diabetes, and epilepsy, stroke, head trauma, myocardial infraction, congestive heart failure, pulmonary failure, kidney failure, obesity depression, pain and impaired cognition.