Using ketone supplements to manage salt intake effects in older adults

Ketone Supplementation as a Strategy to Reduce the Negative Health Effects of High Dietary Salt in Older Adults

Not applicable Interventional Indiana University · NCT06868719

This study is testing if ketone supplements can help older adults manage the harmful effects of a high-salt diet on their heart health and blood pressure.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages60 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorIndiana University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bloomington, Indiana)
Trial IDNCT06868719 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of ketone bodies, specifically β-hydroxybutyrate, on older adults who consume high levels of dietary salt. It aims to understand whether increasing β-OHB can mitigate the negative cardiovascular effects associated with high salt intake, particularly in relation to blood pressure and inflammation. Participants aged 50-85 will be assigned to different dietary interventions involving varying levels of salt and β-OHB to assess their effects on cardiovascular health. The study seeks to fill a critical gap in knowledge regarding dietary strategies to combat hypertension and cardiovascular disease in older populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 50-85 with controlled blood pressure and no significant metabolic or cardiovascular diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure, obesity, or a history of cardiovascular disease are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel dietary strategy to help manage blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular disease risk in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence on the use of ketones in this specific context, previous studies have shown potential benefits of ketone bodies in metabolic health, indicating a promising area of investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Between the ages of 60-85
* Resting blood pressure no higher than 150/90
* BMI below 35 kg/m2 (or otherwise healthy)
* Free of any metabolic disease (diabetes or renal), pulmonary disorders (COPD, severe asthma, or cystic fibrosis), cardiovascular disease (peripheral vascular, cardiac, or cerebrovascular)
* Do not have any precluding medical conditions that prevent participants from exercising (i.e., cardiovascular issues, or muscle/joint issues including painful arthritis) or giving blood (e.g., blood thinners)

Exclusion Criteria:

* High blood pressure - greater than150/90 mmHg
* Obesity (BMI \> 30 kg/m2)
* History of metabolic disease (diabetes or renal disease), pulmonary disorders (e.g., COPD, severe asthma, \& cystic fibrosis), and cardiovascular disease (peripheral vascular, cardiac, or cerebrovascular).
* Medical issues that prevent safe exercise (i.e., cardiovascular issues, or muscle/joint issues including painful arthritis)
* Medical issues that prevent giving blood (e.g., blood thinners).
* Current smoking, using smokeless tobacco, or vaping (within past 12 months)
* Current pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Bloomington, Indiana

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 SaltExcessHypertensionAgingInflammationBlood PressureCardiovascular Disease
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.