Using ketone supplements to help with alcohol withdrawal and brain health
Official title: Ketone supplementation as an intervention to alleviate alcohol withdrawal and improve brain energetics in Alcohol Use Disorder
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10989293 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a special drink with ketones can help people going through alcohol withdrawal feel better by providing extra energy for their brains, and you might be able to join if you're experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
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 start | August 12, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $168,031 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AA031337-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989293 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder who are experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing alcohol withdrawal or those without a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of ketone supplementation on individuals experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It aims to understand how ketone bodies can serve as an alternative energy source for the brain, potentially alleviating symptoms like tremors and delirium. The study will evaluate a specific ketone supplement drink to see if it can reduce withdrawal severity without the need for a strict ketogenic diet. Participants will be monitored for changes in brain energetics and overall health during the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for individuals suffering from alcohol withdrawal and improve their brain health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that ketogenic diets can reduce withdrawal symptoms in alcohol-dependent individuals, suggesting that this approach may be promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wiers, Corinde E — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Wiers, Corinde E
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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.