The Muscle Mag
During his time at Dublin City University, Dr. Mark Evans, now a nutrition consultant with Glanbia Performance Nutrition, conducted research on the impact of exogenous ketones on exercise metabolism, physical performance, and cognitive performance for his PhD.
Speaking at the Sports & Active Nutrition Summit in San Diego, Dr. Evans provided an overview of the current state of the science and market regarding exogenous ketones.
Ketones: The fourth fuel
Early studies on exogenous ketones aimed to replicate the benefits of the ketogenic diet without altering dietary habits. When the body lacks carbohydrates or glucose, it enters a starvation state and begins burning fat reserves to produce ketones, a process known as ketosis. Exogenous ketones directly introduce ketones into the bloodstream without the need for fat burning, as required by a ketogenic diet.
The market offers various types of ketogenic products, with initial research focusing on ketone salts. Dr. Evans explained that the primary ketone body of interest is beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), found in BHB salts composed of BHB molecules attached to mineral salts like potassium, calcium, and sodium in powder form.
More recent research is exploring ketone monoesters, also known as ketone esters, which are more complex and often found in liquid supplements that simulate the final stage of ketosis where ketones are present in the blood.
While research is progressing, early adopters of these products were initially ahead of the scientific evidence. Professional sports have been a driving force in advancing the research, particularly in elite endurance sports. While early studies focused on acute supplementation, current evidence suggests that exogenous ketones may be more effective as a recovery tool post-exercise rather than an acute performance enhancer.
This shift has led to increased use of exogenous ketones in endurance sports, particularly elite cycling.
For example, in a 2023 interview with NutraIngredients-USA, Frank Llosa, founder of KetoneAid, mentioned that nine out of 10 cycling teams in the Tour de France were using his company’s ketone monoester-infused drinks. Cyclists reported improved recovery when consuming the ketone ester product immediately after a race. In a clinical trial simulating a multi-week race, participants who consumed ketone monoester daily were 15% faster in the final time trial than the control group.
The cost issue
Despite advancements in scientific understanding and growing acceptance in certain sports, the cost of exogenous ketone products remains a challenge for wider adoption. Dr. Evans highlighted that ketone salts can cost between $36 to $50 for a few servings, while ketone esters may range from $30 to $35 per serving.
To appeal to a broader market, Dr. Evans suggested that companies in the exogenous ketone sector need to address the cost issue.
View the full interview above.
