Exogenous ketone monoester effects on thinking, sensorimotor skills, and driving
Official title: The Effects of Exogenous Ketones on Cognitive Function
Run by University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT07051655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test will try a single dose of a ketone monoester supplement versus a placebo to see if it improves thinking, sensorimotor skills, and driving performance in adults 19–55 who are obese and sedentary, lean and sedentary, or lean and regularly active.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07051655 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults 19–55 with BMI 30–40 for the obese group or BMI 18–25 for the lean and athlete groups who meet the activity criteria (sedentary <2 hrs/week or athlete ≥5 days/week) and who are not pregnant and do not have excluded neurological conditions or disallowed medications.
✕Probably not a fit
People with diagnosed neurological disorders, a history of seizures, current use of diabetes/mood/attention medications, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those currently using exogenous ketones or following a ketogenic diet are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this acute-supplement test.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults aged 19–55 in three groups (obese sedentary, lean sedentary, and lean active) receive either an acute dose of ketone monoester or a placebo and then complete cognitive, sensorimotor, and driving assessments. Cognitive performance is measured with the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery, sensorimotor function with the Senaptec Sensory System, and driving ability with a driving simulator. The study compares within-group effects of ketone versus placebo and compares baseline cognitive performance across the three groups. Exclusion criteria include neurological diagnoses, seizure history, certain medications, pregnancy/breastfeeding, recent ketone use, or adherence to a ketogenic diet.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, a ketone monoester supplement could provide a safe, short-term boost to cognitive and sensorimotor performance, particularly for people with obesity who may have impaired cerebral glucose metabolism.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown cognitive benefits of ketone monoesters in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, but applying acute ketone supplementation to otherwise healthy obese or athletic adults is largely untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 19-55 years * BMI 30-40 (obese group) or 18-25 (lean and athlete groups) * Sedentary status (\<2 hrs/week of structured physical activity) for obese and lean groups * Active athlete status (≥5 days/week of structured activity) for athlete group Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, muscular dystrophy, stroke, cerebral palsy) * History of seizures * Use of medications for diabetes, mood disorders, or attention disorders * Pregnant or breastfeeding * Current or recent use (within 1 month) of exogenous ketone supplements or adherence to a ketogenic diet
Where it's running
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916 Building
Birmingham, Alabama, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sarah K Sweatt, PhD
- Email: sksweatt@uab.edu
- Phone: 205-975-5398
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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.