Ketone supplements

Ketone Supplements

Ketone supplements are supplements that increase the level of ketones in the blood, mimicking a state of ketosis. They are often used in ketogenic diets, which are high in fats and low in carbohydrates. These supplements are thought to provide the benefits of a ketogenic diet without the need to strictly follow the dietary restrictions.

Category

Nutritional supplement

Molecular Formula

Varies

Mechanism of Action

Ketone supplements work by providing the body with ready-to-use ketone bodies, bypassing the need for the body to break down fats to produce ketones. This puts the body into a state of ketosis, where it uses these ketones for energy instead of glucose.

Evidence Grade

C

Other Names

• Exogenous Ketones
• Ketone Salts
• Ketone Esters

Primary Benefits

• Weight loss
• Improved cognitive function
• Enhanced athletic performance
• Reduced inflammation
• Appetite suppression

Recommended Dosage

Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Bad breath

Precautions

• Not recommended for people with diabetes without medical supervision
• Can affect lipid levels and liver function
• Can lead to nutrient deficiencies if used as a primary source of nutrition

Interactions

• Can lower blood sugar levels, affecting medications for diabetes
• Can interact with medications for high blood pressure

Key References

• Stubbs, B. J., Cox, P. J., Evans, R. D., Cyranka, M., Clarke, K., & De Wet, H. (2017). A Ketone Ester Drink Lowers Human Ghrelin and Appetite. Obesity, 25(2), 297–304.
• O'Malley, T. (2019). Effects of Ketone Supplementation on Physical and Cognitive Performance. Journal of Physiology, 597(14), 3569–3583.