Effects of ketone supplements on hormone levels after exercise in young men

The Impact of Ketone Monoester Intake on Post-exercise Hormonal Response During Recovery Following an Acute Bout of Resistance Exercise.

Not applicable Interventional McGill University · NCT06683547

This study is testing if taking ketone supplements after exercise can change hormone levels in healthy young men.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment12 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexMale
SponsorMcGill University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Montreal, Quebec and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06683547 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how taking exogenous ketone monoester supplements affects hormone levels in healthy young adult males following resistance exercise. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject crossover design, participants will undergo two treatment phases: one with the ketone supplement and one with a placebo. Blood samples will be collected at various time points to measure changes in hormones like testosterone and insulin after exercise. The study aims to understand the nutritional impact on hormonal responses during recovery from resistance training.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adult males aged 18-40 who are recreationally active and maintain stable lifestyle habits.

Not a fit: Patients with metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, or knee injuries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance recovery strategies and hormonal responses for individuals engaging in resistance training.

How similar studies have performed: While there is growing interest in the effects of nutritional supplements on hormonal responses, this specific approach using ketone monoesters is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy adult male participants who are 18-40 years of age (inclusive).
* BMI \>18.5 and \<30.0 kg/m2
* Recreationally active (at least of 150 minutes of activity/week).
* Has maintained stable use of medication and supplements (which are not limited by the exclusion criteria), stable dietary and lifestyle habits, and stable body weight, for the last 3 months prior to screening and agree to maintain them throughout the study.
* Be willing to entirely avoid alcohol consumption 48 hours prior to the test days.
* Willing and able to agree to the requirements and restrictions of this study, be willing to give voluntary consent, be able to understand and read the questionnaires, and carry out all study-related procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with metabolic disorders including: Type I or Type II diabetes.
* Individuals with a history of thrombosis / cardiovascular disease, endocrine disorders
* Individuals with knee injuries (i.e., ACL injuries).
* Individuals with a positive medical history of unstable thyroid disease (i.e., hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and hypoparathyroidism) and immune disorders.
* Individuals who have used tobacco products within the last 6 months.
* Chronic usage of medications known to modulate hormone levels (i.e. corticosteroids and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)) in the last 6 months.
* Current use of ketone supplements or adherence to a ketogenic diet.
* Formal or regular weightlifting activity within the last year.

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec 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 KetosisBlood HormonesTesting Effect of InterventionResistance ExerciseKetone BodyKetone bodiesExogenous ketone supplementsResistance exercise
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.