How ketones affect your body's response to alcohol
Modulation of alcohol sensitivity and alcohol tolerance by exogenous ketones in humans
This project explores how ketone supplements might change how people react to and process alcohol.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11091587 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many adults drink alcohol, and how individuals respond to it can vary, with diet potentially playing a role. This project aims to understand if taking ketone supplements can change how your body processes alcohol and how you feel its effects. Early findings suggest that ketones, which your body makes during low-sugar diets or from supplements, might lessen the intoxicating and enjoyable feelings from alcohol. This happens because ketones may help your body break down alcohol faster. We want to see if these supplements can make you less sensitive to alcohol and help your body build tolerance differently.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults who consume alcohol and are interested in understanding how dietary supplements might influence their body's response.
Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or are not interested in dietary interventions related to alcohol metabolism would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to manage alcohol's effects and potentially reduce risks associated with excessive drinking.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data from the researchers' lab suggest a pharmacokinetic interaction between ketones and alcohol, indicating some prior success with a similar approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wiers, Corinde E — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Wiers, Corinde E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.