Effects of exogenous ketones on behavior and metabolism
Exogenous Ketones and Behavior (ExoKet)
This study is testing whether taking a ketone supplement for a week can improve behavior and metabolism in people compared to a placebo.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | German Institute of Human Nutrition Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Potsdam, Brandenburg) |
| Trial ID | NCT06515717 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how exogenous ketone ester influences behavior, cognition, and metabolism over a week of consumption. Participants will engage in a randomized, crossover design, experiencing both the ketone supplement and a placebo in separate phases. The study involves four lab visits where participants will complete behavioral tasks, questionnaires, and blood tests, while also tracking their food intake and collecting stool samples. The aim is to understand the potential cognitive and metabolic benefits of ketone supplementation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are physically healthy individuals aged 18-31 with a BMI between 18-31 who are fluent in German.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of neurological disorders, serious medical conditions, or those on a ketogenic diet may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how exogenous ketones may enhance cognitive function and metabolic health.
How similar studies have performed: While the effects of ketones on metabolism have been explored, this specific approach using behavioral tasks and virtual reality is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Consent to participate * Fluent in German * Physically healthy. No regular medication * No drug use 1 week prior to the study * BMI 18-31 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * Former or current illnesses of: * Brain or mind (including eating disorders, personality disorders, alcohol, drugs or drug dependence, neurological disorders other than occasional headache; depression or anxiety disorder excluded) * Heart or blood circulation * Gastro-intestinal or endocrine disorders * Liver or kidney disorders * Electrolyte imbalance * Other serious past or present medical conditions (for example, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cancer) * Pregnancy * Extreme athletes (\>2h/day intense work-out; casual cycling or walking is ok) * Menopause (post menopause is ok) * Ketogenic diet, ketogenic supplement intake, intermittent fasting or calorie restricted diet during preceding 4 weeks of study participation * Fear of blood draw
Where this trial is running
Potsdam, Brandenburg
- German Institute of Human Nutrition — Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Beatrix Keweloh
- Email: Beatrix.Keweloh@dife.de
- Phone: +49 33200 882518
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.