The Effects of Exogenous Ketones on Exercise Performance in Young Healthy Adults

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate is produced during prolonged fasting or exercise and can be used as an alternative fuel source. Exogenous beta-hydroxybutyrate, in the form of a ketone salt, is proposed to have ergogenic potential for high-intensity exercise performance but this has not been adequately studied. The purpose of this study is to determine whether supplementing with an acute dose of ketone salts can alter fuel use during exercise and improve exercise performance.

Official Title
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The Effects of Exogenous Ketones on Exercise Performance in Young Healthy Adults

Conditions
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Exercise, Ketones, Dietary Supplements

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: Ketone Salt
* Dietary Supplement: Placebo


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Males aged 18-40 Ability to understand and communicate in English to answer questionnaires and interact with the research assistant Physically active (defined by engaging in moderate-to-vigorous exercise at least 3 times per week, determined via validated questionnaire) Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosed with diabetes or any other medical conditions that could affect metabolism. Diagnosed with heart disease or taking anti-hypertensive medications. Competitive endurance athlete (self-identified as engaged in specific endurance training in triathlon, cycling, or distance running and competing in races or competition) Recent (last 3 months) or current consumption of a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet Current consumption of ketone supplements Any other contraindication to vigorous exercise (identified via physical activity readiness questionnaire [PAR-Q])

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Ketone Salts<br>Acute dose of beta-hydroxybutyrate potassium/sodium salt (0.2g beta-hydroxybutyrate/kg, 0.01g Potassium/kg, 0.01g Sodium/kg with 1 g Steviol Glycoside and 30 ml of lemon juice per dose) | Dietary Supplement: Ketone Salt<br> <br> |
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo<br>Acute dose of taste-matched placebo (0.01g Potassium/kg, 0.01g Sodium/kg with 1 g Steviol Glycoside and 30 ml of lemon juice per dose) | Dietary Supplement: Placebo<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) during cycling exercise | The RER during 18 minutes of steady-state exercise | 0-18 minutes | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 10 km Cycling Time Trial Performance | 10 km time trial performed on a stationary bicycle following 18 minutes of steady-state exercise | Following 18 minutes of steady-state exercise |