Ketone Monoester for Cognitive Function

This trial tests a supplement called ketone monoester to determine its effect on thinking and reaction skills. Researchers aim to discover if its effects vary among individuals who are obese and inactive, lean and inactive, or lean and very active, such as athletes. Suitable candidates for this trial include adults who either exercise infrequently and are obese or lean, or those who are athletes and exercise regularly. Participants will take the supplement and a placebo (a fake treatment) on different days to compare the effects on their thinking and reactions. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to understand how ketone monoester affects different lifestyles and body types.

If you are taking medications for diabetes, mood disorders, or attention disorders, you will need to stop, as these are excluded from the trial.

A previous study demonstrated that ketone monoester (KME) is safe and easy for people to use, inducing a strong state of ketosis, where the body uses fat for energy instead of sugar, without major side effects. Another study found no significant negative reactions in people who took KME, suggesting it is generally well-tolerated.

Most treatments for cognitive decline typically focus on neurotransmitter balance or neuroprotection and often take weeks to show noticeable effects. However, ketone monoester (KME) is unique because it provides an alternative energy source for the brain, potentially enhancing cognitive function quickly. KME is metabolized into ketones, which can provide an immediate energy boost, possibly improving cognitive assessments in just a single dose. Researchers are excited about KME because it offers a novel mechanism of action compared to conventional approaches, potentially providing faster and more direct cognitive benefits.

Research has shown that ketone monoester (KME), which participants in this trial may receive, can improve brain function. One study found that people who took KME experienced a small but noticeable boost in mental abilities. Another study discovered that KME helped individuals think clearly in challenging situations, such as low-oxygen environments. KME is also safe and can induce a fat-burning state called ketosis without requiring a strict diet. However, in some cases, such as high-altitude activities, KME did not demonstrate clear benefits. Overall, early evidence suggests that KME can enhance brain function in certain situations.¹²³⁴⁵