Do exogenous ketones effectively induce ketosis. Are ketone supplements safe for regular use. How do different types of exogenous ketones compare. Can ketone supplementation enhance athletic performance. What potential benefits do exogenous ketones offer for health conditions.

Understanding Exogenous Ketones and Their Role in Ketosis

Exogenous ketones have gained popularity as a supplement to support ketogenic diets and potentially induce ketosis more easily. But what exactly are these compounds, and how do they work in the body?

Exogenous ketones are ketone bodies that come from an external source, as opposed to the endogenous ketones naturally produced by the body during periods of fasting or carbohydrate restriction. They aim to mimic the effects of a ketogenic diet by raising blood ketone levels, even without strictly limiting carbohydrate intake.

The ketogenic diet typically requires consuming very low amounts of carbohydrates (usually less than 50g per day) and high amounts of fat to shift the body’s metabolism toward burning fat for fuel instead of glucose. This metabolic state, known as ketosis, results in the production of ketone bodies that serve as an alternative energy source for the brain and body.

However, achieving and maintaining ketosis through diet alone can be challenging for many people. This is where exogenous ketone supplements come in – they offer a potential shortcut to elevated ketone levels without the need for extreme dietary restrictions.

Types of Exogenous Ketone Supplements

There are several forms of exogenous ketone supplements available on the market. The main types include:

Ketone Esters

• Most potent form of exogenous ketones
• Can induce deeper and longer-lasting ketosis
• Often expensive and have an unpleasant taste
• Primarily used in research settings

Ketone Salts

• Ketones bound to minerals like sodium, calcium, or magnesium
• More palatable and affordable than ketone esters
• Available in various forms (powders, drinks, capsules)
• May raise blood ketone levels, but effects are typically less pronounced than ketone esters

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)

• Not direct ketone supplements, but can promote ketone production
• Rapidly absorbed and converted to ketones by the liver
• Often used in combination with ketogenic diets
• Available as oils, powders, or capsules

When choosing an exogenous ketone supplement, it’s important to consider factors such as effectiveness, cost, taste, and potential side effects. Ketone esters may be the most potent option but are often prohibitively expensive for regular use. Ketone salts offer a more accessible alternative, while MCTs can be a gentler option for those new to ketone supplementation.

Potential Benefits of Exogenous Ketones

Research into exogenous ketones is still in its early stages, but several potential benefits have been identified:

Facilitating Ketosis

Can exogenous ketones help you achieve ketosis more quickly? A 2017 study involving 15 healthy participants found that both ketone esters and ketone salts were able to induce a state of ketosis. This suggests that exogenous ketones could potentially help people transition into ketosis more easily, even when not following a strict ketogenic diet.

Enhanced Athletic Performance

How might exogenous ketones impact physical performance? Some research indicates that ketone supplementation could offer benefits for athletes, particularly in endurance sports. A 2016 study suggested that exogenous ketones might improve athletic performance by about 2%, which could be significant for elite athletes.

The potential mechanism behind this improvement involves ketones serving as an alternative energy source during intense exercise. This may help reduce the production of lactic acid, which can contribute to muscle fatigue and soreness.

Potential Neurological Benefits

Could exogenous ketones have applications beyond weight loss and athletic performance? Some researchers are exploring their potential in managing neurological and psychiatric conditions. The ketogenic diet has long been used to help manage epilepsy, and there’s growing interest in its potential for conditions such as:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Traumatic brain injury
• Anxiety and depression
• Schizophrenia

The theory is that ketones may provide an alternative energy source for the brain, potentially improving cognitive function and reducing inflammation. However, much more research is needed to confirm these effects and determine the optimal use of exogenous ketones for neurological health.

Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects

While exogenous ketones show promise, it’s crucial to consider potential safety concerns:

Are exogenous ketone supplements regulated? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently regulate the exogenous ketone supplement market. This means that these products are not tested for safety, purity, or effectiveness by regulatory agencies.

What side effects might occur with exogenous ketone use? Some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, especially when first starting supplementation. This can include symptoms such as:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps

Additionally, ketone salts contain high levels of minerals, which could potentially disrupt electrolyte balance. This is particularly important for individuals with kidney disease or other conditions that affect electrolyte regulation.

Is long-term use of exogenous ketones safe? Currently, there is limited research on the long-term effects of regular exogenous ketone supplementation. More studies are needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of prolonged use.

Comparing Exogenous Ketones to Endogenous Ketone Production

How do exogenous ketones compare to the body’s natural ketone production? This is an area of ongoing research and debate within the scientific community.

Endogenous ketones are produced by the liver during periods of fasting or carbohydrate restriction. This process, known as ketogenesis, is a complex metabolic adaptation that involves multiple physiological changes beyond simply raising blood ketone levels.

Exogenous ketones, on the other hand, provide a direct source of ketone bodies without requiring the metabolic shift associated with ketogenesis. While this can rapidly increase blood ketone levels, it’s unclear whether this provides the same range of benefits as endogenous ketone production.

Some researchers argue that many of the benefits associated with ketogenic diets may come from the process of adapting to fat metabolism, rather than from ketones themselves. If this is the case, exogenous ketones may not replicate all the effects of a ketogenic diet.

However, exogenous ketones could still offer advantages in certain situations, such as:

• Helping to ease the transition into ketosis
• Providing a source of ketones during periods of higher carbohydrate intake
• Supporting athletic performance or cognitive function in specific contexts

Further research is needed to fully understand the similarities and differences between exogenous and endogenous ketones, and how they might be optimally used for various health and performance goals.

Practical Considerations for Using Exogenous Ketones

If you’re considering using exogenous ketone supplements, there are several practical factors to keep in mind:

Timing and Dosage

When is the best time to take exogenous ketones? This can depend on your goals:

• For general ketosis support: Consider taking them between meals or in the morning
• For athletic performance: Consume 30-60 minutes before exercise
• For cognitive benefits: Some people prefer taking them in the morning or early afternoon

Dosage can vary depending on the specific product and individual tolerance. It’s generally recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually increase as needed.

Taste and Palatability

Many exogenous ketone supplements, particularly ketone esters, have a strong and often unpleasant taste. Ketone salts and flavored powders may be more palatable. Mixing supplements with cold water or blending them into smoothies can help mask the taste.

Cost Considerations

Exogenous ketone supplements, especially high-quality options, can be expensive. Consider whether the potential benefits justify the cost for your individual situation.

Integration with Diet

How should exogenous ketones be integrated with your overall diet? While these supplements can potentially induce a state of ketosis, they are most effective when used in conjunction with a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet. They should not be viewed as a replacement for a healthy, balanced diet.

The Future of Exogenous Ketone Research

As interest in ketogenic diets and ketone supplementation continues to grow, what areas of research are scientists focusing on?

Some promising avenues for future study include:

• Optimizing exogenous ketone formulations for better taste and absorption
• Investigating the long-term effects of regular ketone supplementation
• Exploring potential therapeutic applications for neurological and metabolic disorders
• Refining protocols for using exogenous ketones in athletic performance
• Comparing the effects of different types of exogenous ketones (esters vs. salts vs. MCTs)

As more research is conducted, our understanding of exogenous ketones and their potential applications is likely to evolve. This may lead to more targeted and effective use of these supplements in various health and performance contexts.

Making an Informed Decision About Exogenous Ketones

With the growing popularity of ketogenic diets and ketone supplements, it’s important to approach the use of exogeneous ketones with a balanced perspective.

Consider the following questions when deciding whether exogenous ketones are right for you:

• What are your specific health or performance goals?
• Have you already tried a ketogenic diet or other dietary approaches?
• Are you prepared to use exogenous ketones consistently and as part of a broader health strategy?
• Have you consulted with a healthcare professional about potential risks and benefits?
• Are you willing to invest in high-quality supplements and potentially deal with taste issues?

Remember that while exogenous ketones show promise in certain areas, they are not a magic solution for weight loss, cognitive enhancement, or athletic performance. They work best when used as part of a comprehensive approach to health and fitness.

If you do decide to try exogenous ketones, start slowly and pay attention to how your body responds. Be patient, as it may take time to notice any effects, and don’t hesitate to discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions.

Ultimately, the decision to use exogenous ketones should be based on careful consideration of the available evidence, your personal health status, and your individual goals. As with any supplement or significant dietary change, it’s always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before starting.

As research in this field continues to advance, we can expect to gain a clearer understanding of the role exogenous ketones may play in health and performance optimization. Until then, approach these supplements with a mix of curiosity and caution, always prioritizing overall health and well-being over quick fixes or trends.

Do they work, and are they safe?

The ketogenic diet, which most people call the keto diet, is a diet that is high in fat and very low in carbohydrates.

This type of diet encourages a metabolic state called ketosis, in which the body burns fat instead of carbohydrate as its primary source of energy.

The process of burning fat results in the production of fatty acid byproducts called ketones. These are the substances that the body uses for energy when carbohydrates are in short supply.

The keto diet is highly restrictive. Many people have difficulty sticking to the diet and, therefore, fail to achieve ketosis. Exogenous ketones are supplements that could help a person achieve ketosis while being slightly less strict regarding what they eat.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate the exogenous ketone supplement market. Therefore, neither they nor other regulatory agencies test or evaluate ketone supplements for safety, purity, or effectiveness.

Also, researchers are unsure whether exogenous ketones have the same effect as ketones that the body produces naturally.

In this article, we outline the effectiveness and safety of exogenous ketones.

Many health food stores sell exogenous ketones (EKs) over the counter. Several different EK types exist. These include:

Ketone esters

Ketone esters are the most potent type of EK. As a result, they may cause longer ketosis periods than other EK supplements.

However, ketone esters can be very expensive to buy, and they usually have a strong, unpleasant taste.

Ketone salts

Supplement manufacturers make ketone salts by adding artificial ketones to electrolytes, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.

Ketone salts are available in a variety of forms, including drinks, pills, and powders.

These particular EKs can increase electrolyte levels. Higher levels can be harmful if a person has a medical condition, such as kidney disease, that affects their ability to regulate electrolytes.

While ketone salts rapidly induce ketosis, this metabolic state does not usually last as long as it does with ketone esters.

Other similar supplements

Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are not technically a type of EK, but they do have similar effects.

The body rapidly absorbs MCTs. Following this absorption, the liver converts the MCTs into ketones.

However, a person will not get into ketosis by taking MCTs alone. They will need to follow a ketogenic diet or take other EK supplements to induce ketosis fully.

Researchers have carried out several studies on the potential benefits of taking EKs.

EKs for ketosis

A 2017 study investigated the effects of EKs on human metabolism. Researchers asked 15 healthy participants to consume drinks that contained either ketone esters or ketone salts. Both types of EK induced a state of ketosis in the participants.

However, this study involved only a small number of people. Further research is necessary to establish the accuracy of the findings.

EKs for enhanced athletic performance

Share on PinterestTaking EKs before exercise may enhance athletic performance.

Another potential use for exogenous ketones is in athletic performance. Prolonged physical activity can result in a lack of oxygen supply to the muscles, which leads to an increase in the production of lactic acid. Excess lactic acid can make muscles feel sore and weak.

As the authors of a 2016 study note, exogenous ketones act as an alternative energy source for the body during intensive exercise. As such, they help reduce lactic acid production.

The study results suggested that exogenous ketones could improve a person’s athletic performance by about 2%. The people most likely to benefit from this increase are elite and endurance athletes.

EKs for psychiatric disorders and epilepsy

Some people follow a keto diet for reasons other than weight loss. For example, people with epilepsy have used the ketogenic diet for many years to help reduce the number and severity of seizures.

Doctors also have tested whether the diet could help minimize the symptoms of psychiatric disorders, such as:

• schizophrenia
• bipolar disorder
• anxiety

Experts believe that these disorders may be partly due to changes in metabolism that affect the brain. Examples include:

• changes in the release of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters
• increased inflammation
• abnormal glucose metabolism in the brain

Some experts theorize that the metabolism-altering effects of EKs may help treat these disorders. However, few studies have investigated this idea.

A 2019 review of the available research suggests that EKs affect levels of certain neurotransmitters within the brain, thus reducing some of the signs of psychiatric disease.

The review authors conclude that using EK supplements to help the body enter ketosis may be an effective treatment for psychiatric diseases.

Taking ketone supplements can cause extreme stomach upset in some people. This side effect can limit the number of supplements that a person can take.

Taking ketone salts also increases the risk of electrolyte imbalances. Electrolytes are vital for the conduction of electrical signals in the muscles and neurons. For example, electrolytes help the heart maintain a regular rhythm.

Some doctors are concerned that the ketogenic diet decreases blood sugar levels, potentially leading to hypoglycemia, which can make a person feel weak and lethargic. Moreover, ketone salts that contain sodium could be dangerous for people with high blood pressure. The ketogenic diet can also cause dehydration.

Share on PinterestTaking EKs while fasting may help induce ketosis.

Most keto diets encourage fasting, as going without food helps induce ketosis. Many people who follow the keto diet take EK supplements while fasting. For example, a person may take the supplements when they wake up in the morning.

Some people may take EKs before they exercise, particularly before endurance events. Taking EKs in this way may help enhance athletic performance.

A person who is new to the keto diet may experience a “keto fog” or “keto flu.” These terms refer to the feeling of being dehydrated, tired, and sluggish. Some people believe that taking exogenous ketones may reduce these initial side effects and help speed up ketosis.

Current studies show that EKs may help induce ketosis in people who desire weight loss or enhanced athletic performance.

However, it is unrealistic for a person to think that they can eat whatever they want while using EKs to maintain ketosis. Exogenous ketones are unlikely to induce or maintain ketosis alongside an unsuitable diet.

If a person is thinking of taking EKs, they should talk to a doctor first. The doctor will test the person’s electrolyte balance and assess whether the supplements are safe to use alongside any other medications that the person is taking.

Do they work, and are they safe?

The ketogenic diet, which most people call the keto diet, is a diet that is high in fat and very low in carbohydrates.

This type of diet encourages a metabolic state called ketosis, in which the body burns fat instead of carbohydrate as its primary source of energy.

The process of burning fat results in the production of fatty acid byproducts called ketones. These are the substances that the body uses for energy when carbohydrates are in short supply.

The keto diet is highly restrictive. Many people have difficulty sticking to the diet and, therefore, fail to achieve ketosis. Exogenous ketones are supplements that could help a person achieve ketosis while being slightly less strict regarding what they eat.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate the exogenous ketone supplement market. Therefore, neither they nor other regulatory agencies test or evaluate ketone supplements for safety, purity, or effectiveness.

Also, researchers are unsure whether exogenous ketones have the same effect as ketones that the body produces naturally.

In this article, we outline the effectiveness and safety of exogenous ketones.

Many health food stores sell exogenous ketones (EKs) over the counter. Several different EK types exist. These include:

Ketone esters

Ketone esters are the most potent type of EK. As a result, they may cause longer ketosis periods than other EK supplements.

However, ketone esters can be very expensive to buy, and they usually have a strong, unpleasant taste.

Ketone salts

Supplement manufacturers make ketone salts by adding artificial ketones to electrolytes, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.

Ketone salts are available in a variety of forms, including drinks, pills, and powders.

These particular EKs can increase electrolyte levels. Higher levels can be harmful if a person has a medical condition, such as kidney disease, that affects their ability to regulate electrolytes.

While ketone salts rapidly induce ketosis, this metabolic state does not usually last as long as it does with ketone esters.

Other similar supplements

Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are not technically a type of EK, but they do have similar effects.

The body rapidly absorbs MCTs. Following this absorption, the liver converts the MCTs into ketones.

However, a person will not get into ketosis by taking MCTs alone. They will need to follow a ketogenic diet or take other EK supplements to induce ketosis fully.

Researchers have carried out several studies on the potential benefits of taking EKs.

EKs for ketosis

A 2017 study investigated the effects of EKs on human metabolism. Researchers asked 15 healthy participants to consume drinks that contained either ketone esters or ketone salts. Both types of EK induced a state of ketosis in the participants.

However, this study involved only a small number of people. Further research is necessary to establish the accuracy of the findings.

EKs for enhanced athletic performance

Share on PinterestTaking EKs before exercise may enhance athletic performance.

Another potential use for exogenous ketones is in athletic performance. Prolonged physical activity can result in a lack of oxygen supply to the muscles, which leads to an increase in the production of lactic acid. Excess lactic acid can make muscles feel sore and weak.

As the authors of a 2016 study note, exogenous ketones act as an alternative energy source for the body during intensive exercise. As such, they help reduce lactic acid production.

The study results suggested that exogenous ketones could improve a person’s athletic performance by about 2%. The people most likely to benefit from this increase are elite and endurance athletes.

EKs for psychiatric disorders and epilepsy

Some people follow a keto diet for reasons other than weight loss. For example, people with epilepsy have used the ketogenic diet for many years to help reduce the number and severity of seizures.

Doctors also have tested whether the diet could help minimize the symptoms of psychiatric disorders, such as:

• schizophrenia
• bipolar disorder
• anxiety

Experts believe that these disorders may be partly due to changes in metabolism that affect the brain. Examples include:

• changes in the release of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters
• increased inflammation
• abnormal glucose metabolism in the brain

Some experts theorize that the metabolism-altering effects of EKs may help treat these disorders. However, few studies have investigated this idea.

A 2019 review of the available research suggests that EKs affect levels of certain neurotransmitters within the brain, thus reducing some of the signs of psychiatric disease.

The review authors conclude that using EK supplements to help the body enter ketosis may be an effective treatment for psychiatric diseases.

Taking ketone supplements can cause extreme stomach upset in some people. This side effect can limit the number of supplements that a person can take.

Taking ketone salts also increases the risk of electrolyte imbalances. Electrolytes are vital for the conduction of electrical signals in the muscles and neurons. For example, electrolytes help the heart maintain a regular rhythm.

Some doctors are concerned that the ketogenic diet decreases blood sugar levels, potentially leading to hypoglycemia, which can make a person feel weak and lethargic. Moreover, ketone salts that contain sodium could be dangerous for people with high blood pressure. The ketogenic diet can also cause dehydration.

Share on PinterestTaking EKs while fasting may help induce ketosis.

Most keto diets encourage fasting, as going without food helps induce ketosis. Many people who follow the keto diet take EK supplements while fasting. For example, a person may take the supplements when they wake up in the morning.

Some people may take EKs before they exercise, particularly before endurance events. Taking EKs in this way may help enhance athletic performance.

A person who is new to the keto diet may experience a “keto fog” or “keto flu.” These terms refer to the feeling of being dehydrated, tired, and sluggish. Some people believe that taking exogenous ketones may reduce these initial side effects and help speed up ketosis.

Current studies show that EKs may help induce ketosis in people who desire weight loss or enhanced athletic performance.

However, it is unrealistic for a person to think that they can eat whatever they want while using EKs to maintain ketosis. Exogenous ketones are unlikely to induce or maintain ketosis alongside an unsuitable diet.

If a person is thinking of taking EKs, they should talk to a doctor first. The doctor will test the person’s electrolyte balance and assess whether the supplements are safe to use alongside any other medications that the person is taking.

Exogenous Ketones (BHB) + MCT Oil – Joe Rogan’s Shop

Ingredients: Proprietary blend of three ketone salts (Beta-hydroxybutyrate salts of Magnesium, Sodium, and Calcium) and MCT oil.

How to take: dosage 19g at a time, mix 3 teaspoons in a mug of water.

Everyone is different so take this supplement as you feel comfortable (up to 1-2 times a day).

Exogenous ketones will help keep you in ketosis even after a cheat meal, but the increase in blood ketone levels will be quite weak if you eat a huge amount of “embers” (food rich in carbohydrates). The biggest effect of this supplement will be during fasting or on a low-carb diet, as you will enter ketosis very quickly, and for a long time.

What are the benefits of exogenous ketones?

• • Improved concentration [1]
  • Increased energy and mood [2]
  • Improved athletic performance [2] 9 0025
  • Appetite suppression, which can help with weight loss, for by reducing the “hunger hormones” insulin, enteroglucagon and ghrelin [3]
  • May reduce inflammation in the body [4]
  • May improve sleep [5, 6]
  • Helps you get back into Ketosis after a carb refeed/cheat meal
  • Helps with keto flu (you’ll get back on keto much easier) 9002 6

Exogenous Ketones – What is it?

You may have heard the terms endogenous and exogenous used for ketone supplements, but what do they really mean?

Well, endogenous ketones are produced naturally in our bodies. The liver begins to produce them from fat when we enter state ketosis, and we enter it by restricting carbohydrates. The body is essentially rebuilt on other rails, instead of glucose, fats become the main source of energy. The word comes from the Greek “endo”, which means “within”.

But scientists have discovered that you can take ketones into your body from outside (orally). These are exogenous ketones, which comes from the Greek word “exo”, meaning “outside/outside”.

MCT oil – what is useful?

1. MCT oil may help promote weight loss by increasing satiety, burning energy, producing ketones, and improving gut microflora.
2. MCT oil is easily absorbed and transported throughout the body. It can be used as an instant energy source and can be converted into ketones to fuel your brain.
3. MCT oil may increase fat burning and reduce carbohydrate requirements during exercise.
4. It may also improve brain function, which may be beneficial for people with epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and autism.
5. MCT Oil contains fatty acids that have been shown to reduce the growth of yeast and bacteria. In general, MCT oil has many antimicrobial and antifungal effects.
6. MCT oil may reduce risk factors for heart disease (such as weight, cholesterol, and inflammation).
7. Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil may help with diabetes by reducing fat storage and enhancing fat burning. It can also help you control your blood sugar levels.

Ketone Salt vs Ketone Ester/Ester

Ketone esters consist of a ketone body combined with a ketone precursor.

Ketone salts consist of ketone bodies bonded to a mineral ion (often sodium, calcium, and magnesium). There are different types of ketone bodies, but ketone salts use beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB).

The main difference between these additives is in taste, esters are much more disgusting than salts.

But esters can be absorbed faster, plus it is not possible to oversaturate with minerals with them.

Possible Side Effects

Exogenous ketones are generally considered a safe and effective way to increase ketone levels, but there are rare side effects (in overdose) that include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.

We do not recommend achieving long-term ketosis (where you take salts 5 times a day for a whole week) with ketone salts, as you can oversaturate your body with minerals. Everything needs a measure. Carefully read the picture on the composition (recommended doses for Americans * are indicated there). We always advise you to consult your doctor before taking any substance, especially if you have any chronic diseases. Is not a medicine.

How to understand that you have entered ketosis?

For optimal exogenous ketone intake, we advise you to monitor your ketone levels before, after and throughout the day. This way you will know the dosage you need. The cheapest way is the Ketogluk-1 test strips, with which you can determine the amount of ketone bodies in the urine, but the ideal way is to analyze the BHB ketones in the blood (read this article, it describes in detail the options for measuring ketosis)

Will ketone supplements (exogenous ketones) help me lose weight?

The ketogenic or keto diet is a very low carbohydrate, high fat diet.

Being on such a diet for several days, our body falls into a state of ketosis, which is characterized by an increased content of ketones in the blood and weight loss.

Ketosis – state that develops as a result of carbohydrate starvation of cells, when the body begins to break down fat for energy with the formation of a large amount of ketone bodies. This is one of the adaptive reactions to the absence of carbohydrates in food.

Wikipedia

While the keto diet can provide some benefits, it can be quite difficult to follow.

Some believe that ketone supplements can mimic ketosis and increase blood ketone levels without changing the diet.

In this article, we will discuss whether exogenous ketone supplements can help you shed extra pounds.

What happens in the body during ketosis?

When following a standard high carbohydrate diet, our body cells normally rely on glucose for fuel.

Glucose comes from eating carbohydrates in our diet, including sugars and starchy foods like bread, pasta and some vegetables.

If we limit our consumption of these foods, which is what happens with the keto diet, our body is forced to look for alternative sources of fuel.

With such a diet, our body turns towards another fuel – fat, which produces ketone bodies. Ketone bodies are formed in the process of releasing energy from the breakdown of fats.

This shift in metabolism puts the body into a state of ketosis.

Most people have experienced a semblance of this condition in a natural setting, such as during fasting or intense exercise.

The two main ketone bodies formed during ketosis are acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate. Acetone is the third, less abundant, ketone body.

These ketone bodies replace glucose as fuel and provide energy for the brain, heart and muscles.

It is believed that ketone bodies themselves may be responsible for the weight loss associated with the ketogenic diet.

Ketosis is a process in which your body produces large amounts of ketones and uses them for energy instead of glucose from carbohydrates.

What are exogenous ketone supplements?

Ketone bodies can be produced in our body (endogenously) or from a synthetic source outside our body (exogenously).

Thus, the ketones found in supplements are exogenous ketones.

These supplements only contain beta-hydroxybutyrate ketone. Another primary ketone body, acetoacetate, is not chemically stable as an additive.

There are two main forms of ketone supplements:

• Ketone salts: are ketones bound to a salt, usually sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium. They are most often found in powder form and are mixed with a liquid.
• Ketone esters: are ketones associated with another compound called an ester in liquid form. Ketone esters are used primarily in research and are not as readily available for purchase as ketone salts

Both forms of ketone supplements increase blood ketone levels, mimicking a state of ketosis.

In one study, supplementation of approximately 12 g (12,000 mg) of ketone salts increased blood ketones by up to 300% in participants.

For reference, most ketone supplements available contain 8-12 grams of ketones per serving.

This increase in blood ketone levels after supplementation is beneficial for people who want to go into ketosis without having to diet.

Ketone supplementation is said to offer as many benefits as following a keto diet, including weight loss.

People also take ketone supplements along with the ketogenic diet, especially at the start of the diet.

This reduces the time it takes to reach ketosis and reduces the unpleasant effects that can result from switching from a standard higher carbohydrate diet to a ketogenic diet.

Symptoms that often accompany the transition to a ketogenic diet, better known as the “keto flu,” include constipation, headache, bad breath, muscle cramps, and diarrhea.

There is limited research to suggest that ketone supplements may reduce these symptoms.

Exogenous ketone supplement increases blood ketone levels, mimicking the state of ketosis normally achieved through a ketogenic diet.

Exogenous ketones help reduce appetite

Ketone supplements have been shown to help reduce hunger, which may help you lose weight by eating less food.

In one study of 15 normal weight people, those who drank a drink containing ketone esters had a 50% reduction in appetite in the evening compared to those who consumed sugar-sweetened drinks.

This appetite-suppressing effect was attributed to lower levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin between two and four hours after drinking the ketone ester drink.

However, ketone supplements may not affect appetite in the same way as people who have eaten a meal beforehand.

Studies have found higher blood ketone levels in those who did not eat a meal before taking a ketone supplement than those who did (14, 15, 16).

And because carbohydrates are found in the morning, not after meals containing carbohydrates (13).

In other words, taking a ketone supplement after eating a carb meal should increase your carbohydrate levels (15).

SUMMARY
In one small study, exogenous ketone supplements were found to reduce appetite for over four hours, which may be associated with weight loss. However, more research is needed before ketone supplements can be recommended for appetite control.
Case against exogenous ketones for weight loss
Despite the potential appetite suppressant effects of ketone supplements, their potential weight loss benefits are unknown.

Therefore, ketone supplements cannot be recommended for weight loss at this time. In fact, some evidence suggests that they may even interfere with this.

Ketones inhibit fat breakdown
The goal of the ketogenic diet for weight loss is to obtain ketones from stored fat as an alternative fuel source.

But if your circulation levels get too high, your blood can become dangerously acidic.

If they become excessively high (12, 15, 17, 18).

In other words, the higher your blood ketone levels, the less your body produces. As a result, ketone supplements may prevent the use of fat as a fuel, at least in the short term (19, 20).

Ketones have calories
Your body can use ketones for fuel, meaning they have calories.

They contain about four calories per gram, the same number of calories as carbohydrates or protein.

One serving of exogenous ketone salts contains less than 100 calories, but you will need several servings each day.

This is because the effects of ketone supplements only last a few hours and therefore require repeated doses throughout the day to maintain ketosis (17, 21).

Not to mention they are over $3 per serving and they can get expensive (22).

SUMMARY
Ketone supplements are not ketogenic per se because they prevent your body from producing its own ketones. They are also a source of calories, which, depending on how many servings you have, may not be worth losing weight.

Side effects
Exogenous ketone supplements are generally considered safe and effective in increasing ketone body levels, but long-term effects are unknown (9).

Reported side effects are more common with ketone salts than with ketone esters and include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort (7, 17, 23).

Ketone supplements have also been reported to have a poor aftertaste (24).

Moreover, achieving ketosis with ketones is not recommended due to the high amount of minerals you ingest (11).

One serving of ketone salts provides (22):

680 mg sodium (27% DV)
320 mg magnesium (85% DV)
590 mg calcium (57% DV)
two or three hours, doubling or tripling those numbers.

Manufacturers of ketone supplements.

But while ketone supplements can help you stay in ketosis even after eating, the rise in blood ketones is much less than if you were fast or did not consume carbs (15).

SUMMARY
Side effects associated with ketone supplements range from stomach discomfort to diarrhea.