Effects of Acute Ketone Supplementation on the Brain
Effects of Acute Ketone Supplementation on the Brain [KETO-BRAIN]
Christopher Crabtree
24 participants
Jun 15, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine how a ketone ester supplement affects brain function, brain blood flow, and brain metabolism in healthy middle-aged and older adults. Ketones are naturally produced by the body during periods of fasting or carbohydrate restriction and serve as an alternative fuel source for the brain. Researchers are interested in whether increasing blood ketone levels through supplementation can alter brain activity and blood flow in ways that may support healthy brain function. Participants will consume a ketone ester supplement and a placebo in separate study visits. Brain imaging, blood measurements, and cognitive testing will be used to evaluate the effects of each intervention. Findings from this study will help researchers better understand how ketones influence the healthy aging brain and may provide preliminary data for future studies in populations at risk for cognitive decline.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- Age ≥45 years and ≤65 years
- Able to comply with study requirements including presenting for each test session following an overnight fast and not following a ketogenic diet during the duration of the study.
- BMI between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2
Exclusion Criteria14
- Non-English Speaking
- Currently taking a ketone ester supplement, ketone salt supplement, or on a ketogenic diet
- Pregnancy, a urine pregnancy test will be given to all women before scanning to confirm nonpregnant status
- Currently breastfeeding
- Allergies to components in the test products, including milk protein, and not lactose intolerant
- History of high blood pressure
- History of alcoholism (previous 2 years)
- History of illicit drug use
- History of head trauma involving loss of consciousness or skull fracture
- Diagnosed neurological disease
- Taking psychiatric prescriptive medications (antipsychotics, antidepressants, or barbiturates) or over-the-counter (OTC) medications (other than those taken as nutritional supplements for non-therapeutic indications)
- Current smoker
- Currently consuming a habitual ketogenic diet, or was consuming a habitual ketogenic diet in the past three months
- Any condition or material in the body that is a contraindication for MRI procedures
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Interventions
The ketone ester beverage contains 25 g of C8 Diester emulsified in a matrix of water, whey protein concentrate, modified gum acacia, natural and artificial flavors and cocoa powder. It contains 210 kcal, 0.5 g fat, 2 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein. Dose consumed is 50 g, 2 times per day for 2 days. The placebo (PL) will be calorie and volume matched to the KE and be formulated with standard dietary ingredients.
The placebo drink will be calorie and volume matched to the KE and be formulated with standard dietary ingredients.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07711990