Ketone Ester Effects on Brain Function in Healthy Adults
Official title: Effects of Acute Ketone Supplementation on the Brain [KETO-BRAIN]
Run by Ohio State University · NCT07711990 · Data updated 2026-11-12
In healthy middle-aged and older adults, this study will test whether a ketone ester drink changes brain activity, blood flow, and metabolism compared with a placebo.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2029 |
| Study ends | December 2029 |
| Registry record updated | July 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07711990 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 45–65 in good general health, willing to complete fasting visits and refrain from ketogenic diets during the study.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with certain neurological conditions, those on ketone supplements or ketogenic diets, or those with pregnancy, head trauma history with loss of consciousness, or current psychiatric medication use may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study to see if acutely elevating blood ketone levels with a ketone ester affects brain function in healthy adults aged 45–65. Participants receive both the ketone ester and a placebo in separate visits, with a washout period in between. The study uses brain imaging, blood measurements, and cognitive tests to compare effects after overnight fasting and prior to testing sessions. The goal is to understand whether ketones can influence cerebral blood flow, brain chemistry, functional connectivity, and cognitive performance in aging adults without neurodegenerative disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform future approaches to supporting brain metabolism and function during aging.
How similar studies have gone: Past research suggests ketones can serve as an alternative brain fuel and may influence brain metabolism, but acute effects on imaging and cognition in healthy adults remain exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age ≥45 years and ≤65 years 2. Able to comply with study requirements including presenting for each test session following an overnight fast and not following a ketogenic diet during the duration of the study. 3. BMI between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Non-English Speaking 2. Currently taking a ketone ester supplement, ketone salt supplement, or on a ketogenic diet 3. Pregnancy, a urine pregnancy test will be given to all women before scanning to confirm nonpregnant status 4. Currently breastfeeding 5. Allergies to components in the test products, including milk protein, and not lactose intolerant 6. History of high blood pressure 7. History of alcoholism (previous 2 years) 8. History of illicit drug use 9. History of head trauma involving loss of consciousness or skull fracture 10. Diagnosed neurological disease 11. Taking psychiatric prescriptive medications (antipsychotics, antidepressants, or barbiturates) or over-the-counter (OTC) medications (other than those taken as nutritional supplements for non-therapeutic indications) 12. Current smoker 13. Currently consuming a habitual ketogenic diet, or was consuming a habitual ketogenic diet in the past three months 14. Any condition or material in the body that is a contraindication for MRI procedures
Where it's running
-
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Christopher Crabtree, Ph.D.
- Email: Christopher.Crabtree@osumc.edu
- Phone: 614-688-5623
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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.