Ketone supplements to ease alcohol withdrawal and boost brain energy
Ketone supplementation as an intervention to alleviate alcohol withdrawal and improve brain energetics in Alcohol Use Disorder
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11167717
This project looks at whether a ketone drink can ease withdrawal symptoms and help the brain get energy during early recovery from alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11167717 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I join, I might be given a beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) ketone drink during detox to see if it reduces tremor, agitation, or delirium. The team is building on findings that a ketogenic diet lowered benzodiazepine use and that ketone supplements reduced withdrawal in animal models. They will measure withdrawal symptoms and use brain metabolic tests or scans to see whether the brain uses ketones instead of glucose when alcohol is stopped. The aim is to find an easier alternative to a strict ketogenic diet that supports brain energetics during early abstinence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with alcohol use disorder who are entering detox or early abstinence, especially inpatients experiencing withdrawal, would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without alcohol use disorder or those with medical conditions that make ketone supplements unsafe (for example certain metabolic disorders) may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce withdrawal severity and protect brain function during detox, potentially lowering the need for benzodiazepines.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work showed ketogenic diets reduced benzodiazepine needs and animal studies showed benefit from ketone supplements, but human trials of ketone drinks for alcohol withdrawal are still limited.
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.