Effects of Acute Ketone Supplementation on the Brain

Conditions

• Brain Health

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

ALL

Age

45 Years - 65 Years

Healthy Volunteers

Accepted

Interventions

• Ketone Ester Drink — DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
  The ketone ester beverage contains 25 g of C8 Diester emulsified in a matrix of water, whey protein concentrate, modified gum acacia, natural and artificial flavors and cocoa powder. It contains 210 kcal, 0.5 g fat, 2 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein. Dose consumed is 50 g, 2 times per day for 2 days. The placebo (PL) will be calorie and volume matched to the KE and be formulated with standard dietary ingredients.
• Placebo — DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
  The placebo drink will be calorie and volume matched to the KE and be formulated with standard dietary ingredients.

Study Details

The purpose of this study is to determine how a ketone ester supplement affects brain function, brain blood flow, and brain metabolism in healthy middle-aged and older adults. Ketones are naturally produced by the body during periods of fasting or carbohydrate restriction and serve as an alternative fuel source for the brain. Researchers are interested in whether increasing blood ketone levels through supplementation can alter brain activity and blood flow in ways that may support healthy brain function. Participants will consume a ketone ester supplement and a placebo in separate study visits. Brain imaging, blood measurements, and cognitive testing will be used to evaluate the effects of each intervention. Findings from this study will help researchers better understand how ketones influence the healthy aging brain and may provide preliminary data for future studies in populations at risk for cognitive decline.

Key Dates

First listed

Jul 17, 2026

Start date

Jun 15, 2026

Status verified

Jul 2026

Primary completion

Dec 31, 2029

Completion

Dec 31, 2029

Study Design

Enrollment

24 participants (estimated)

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

CROSSOVER

Primary purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Arms

• Active Comparator: Ketone Supplement drink
  Drink contains 25 g of C8 Diester , 50g consumed total per day using split dose
• Placebo Comparator: Placebo Drink
  Drink contains no ketones, kcal and volume matched

Primary Outcome Measure

Cerebral Blood Flow [ Time Frame: Acute response following 2-day lead in ]

Central Contacts

• Christopher Crabtree, Ph.D.
  614-688-5623
  [email protected]

Locations (1)

Find similar trials in Columbus, OH

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