The Effects of Exogenous Ketones on Exercise Performance in Young Healthy Adults

The Effects of Exogenous Ketones on Exercise Performance in Young Healthy Adults

The ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate is produced during prolonged fasting or exercise and can be used as an alternative fuel source. Exogenous beta-hydroxybutyrate, in the form of a ketone salt, is proposed to have ergogenic potential for high-intensity exercise performance but this has not been adequately studied. The purpose of this study is to determine whether supplementing with an acute dose of ketone salts can alter fuel use during exercise and improve exercise performance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males aged 18-40
• Ability to understand and communicate in English to answer questionnaires and interact with the research assistant
• Physically active (defined by engaging in moderate-to-vigorous exercise at least 3 times per week, determined via validated questionnaire)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with diabetes or any other medical conditions that could affect metabolism.
• Diagnosed with heart disease or taking anti-hypertensive medications.
• Competitive endurance athlete (self-identified as engaged in specific endurance training in triathlon, cycling, or distance running and competing in races or competition)
• Recent (last 3 months) or current consumption of a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet
• Current consumption of ketone supplements
• Any other contraindication to vigorous exercise (identified via physical activity readiness questionnaire [PAR-Q])