Effects of ketone supplements on exercise metabolism
Official title: The Effect of Acute Ketone Monoester Supplementation on Glucose Oxidation During Exercise Performed With High Rates of Carbohydrate Ingestion in Trained Cyclists
Run by Maastricht University Medical Center · NCT06746805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if taking a ketone supplement before and during exercise helps endurance-trained adults use carbohydrates more effectively while they work out.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 27 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Maastricht University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Maastricht, Limburg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 4, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | September 24, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06746805 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are endurance-trained males and females aged 18-50 with a high VO2peak.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with chronic medical conditions, musculoskeletal disorders, or those on carbohydrate-restrictive diets may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates how exogenous ketone body supplementation influences carbohydrate metabolism during exercise. In a randomized, crossover, and double-blind design, 20 endurance-trained adults aged 18-50 will consume carbohydrates with either a ketone monoester supplement or a flavor-matched placebo before and during a 3-hour exercise session. The primary goal is to compare carbohydrate oxidation rates during exercise between the two conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance athletic performance and recovery by optimizing energy metabolism during exercise.
How similar studies have gone: While the effects of ketone supplementation have been explored, this specific approach focusing on carbohydrate oxidation during exercise is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-50 years of age * Trained cyclist/triathlete (VO2peak \> 55 ml/kg/min for males and \>48 ml/mg/min for females) * Healthy as per medical history and investigator's/physician's judgement * Having given written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Use of medication that could impact study outcomes and/or interfere with the expected mechanism of action of ketone supplements (e.g. Chronic use of gastric acid suppressing medication, statins, corticosteroids) * Smoking * Diagnosed acute or chronic medical conditions that, in the opinion of the investigator, could impact study outcomes (e.g. Diabetes mellitus) * Diagnosed musculoskeletal disorders * Adhering to a carbohydrate restrictive diet * Participation in another study at the same time * Blood donation in the 2 months before the first experimental trial * Plasma donation in the 2 weeks before the first experimental trial * Males: VO2peak \<55 ml/min/kg body mass * Females: VO2peak \<48 ml/min/kg body mass * Females: pregnancy
Where it's running
-
Maastricht University Medical Center+
Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Luc van Loon, PhD
- Email: l.vanloon@maastrichtuniversity.nl
- Phone: 0031 43 388 1743
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.