Effects of Ketone Ester on Salt Intake in Young Adults

Ketone Supplementation as a Strategy to Reduce the Negative Health Effects of High Dietary Salt in Young Adults

Not applicable Interventional Indiana University · NCT05545501

This study tests if ketone supplements can help young adults who eat a lot of salt protect their heart health and lower blood pressure.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment35 (estimated)
Ages19 Years to 39 Years
SexAll
SponsorIndiana University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Auburn, Alabama and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05545501 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of ketone supplements on cardiovascular health in young adults consuming high levels of dietary salt. It aims to understand how β-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body, can counteract the negative effects of excessive salt intake, which is linked to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Participants will be assigned to different dietary salt and ketone supplementation conditions to assess changes in blood pressure and vascular function. The study focuses on a population that is typically healthy but may be at risk due to high salt consumption.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy young adults aged 18-39 with normal blood pressure and a BMI below 35.

Not a fit: Patients with existing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or obesity may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel dietary intervention to improve cardiovascular health in individuals with high salt intake.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence on the effects of ketone supplements in humans, some animal studies suggest potential benefits, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Between the ages of 19-39
* Resting blood pressure no higher than 150/90
* BMI below 35 kg/m2 (or otherwise healthy)
* Free of any metabolic disease (diabetes or renal), pulmonary disorders (COPD, severe asthma, \& cystic fibrosis), cardiovascular disease (peripheral vascular, cardiac, or cerebrovascular)
* Do not have any precluding medical conditions that prevent participants from exercising (i.e., cardiovascular issues, or muscle/joint issues including painful arthritis) or giving blood (e.g., blood thinners).

Exclusion Criteria:

* High blood pressure - greater than 150/90 mmHg
* Obesity (BMI \> 30 kg/m2)
* History of metabolic disease (diabetes or renal disease), pulmonary disorders (e.g., COPD, severe asthma, \& cystic fibrosis), and cardiovascular disease (peripheral vascular, cardiac, or cerebrovascular).
* Medical issues that prevent safe exercise (i.e., cardiovascular issues, or muscle/joint issues including painful arthritis)
* Medical issues that prevent giving blood (e.g., blood thinners).
* Current smoking, using smokeless tobacco, or vaping (within past 12 months)
* Current pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Auburn, Alabama and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SaltExcessHypertension
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.