Ketone monoesters to boost muscle protein synthesis and whole‑body protein use
The Effect of Ketone Monoesters on Skeletal Muscle Protein Synthesis and Whole-body Protein Metabolism.
This study will test whether taking an oral ketone monoester with protein can increase muscle protein building and change whole‑body protein metabolism in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Exeter Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Exeter, Devon) |
| Trial ID | NCT07082309 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will give healthy adult volunteers an oral ketone monoester drink (about 0.5 g/kg body mass) co‑ingested with a whey protein beverage and compare it to a control beverage to raise blood β‑hydroxybutyrate (BHB) to levels seen in fasting. They will measure post‑meal muscle protein synthesis and whole‑body protein turnover using blood tests and muscle sampling over several hours after ingestion. The trial enrolls non‑smoking adults with BMI 18.5–30 and ages 18–40 and excludes those with metabolic, cardiovascular, or gastrointestinal disease, pregnancy, or medications that affect protein metabolism. Results will clarify how exogenous ketosis interacts with feeding to influence muscle remodelling.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy, non‑smoking adults aged 18–40 with BMI 18.5–30 kg/m2 who are not pregnant and have no major metabolic, cardiovascular, or gastrointestinal disease are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People outside the age or BMI ranges, smokers, pregnant individuals, or those with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular or gastrointestinal disease, or on medications that affect protein metabolism may not benefit or are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, ketone monoester supplementation taken with protein could help improve post‑meal muscle protein synthesis and support muscle maintenance.
How similar studies have performed: Prior infusion studies and a small oral ketone monoester trial have shown that BHB can stimulate muscle protein synthesis, suggesting the approach has early supporting evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: • BMI 18-30 Exclusion Criteria: * Body mass index (BMI) \< 18.5 or \> 30 kg/m2 * Age \< 18 or \> 40 * Regularly smokes * Type 2 diabetes * Cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease and hypertension (≥ 140/90 mmHg) * Gastrointestinal disorders * Use medicines that may impact protein metabolism or that are anti-inflammatory (determined at the screening) * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Exeter, Devon
- Health and Life Sciences — Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alistair Monteyne, PhD
- Email: a.monteyne2@exeter.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 4774
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.