Jeffrey Salazar
The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that encourages the body to burn fat instead of carbohydrates as its primary source of energy. This metabolic state is called ketosis, and it can be achieved by following a ketogenic diet or by taking exogenous ketone supplements. Exogenous ketones are synthetic or naturally derived ketones that can be consumed as supplements to elevate ketone levels in the blood and induce ketosis. While some people find the ketogenic diet restrictive, exogenous ketones offer a way to achieve ketosis without following a strict diet. However, there are concerns about the safety and effectiveness of exogenous ketones, with limited research available. This paragraph introduces the topic of exogenous ketones, explaining what they are, how they relate to the ketogenic diet, and why they are of interest to those following a keto diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Exogenous ketones are synthetic or naturally-derived ketones in the form of supplements. |
| Purpose | To help the body enter ketosis and potentially enhance athletic performance and recovery. |
| Effectiveness | Some evidence suggests that exogenous ketones can effectively induce ketosis, but more research is needed to confirm this. |
| Benefits | Potential therapeutic effects, cognitive benefits, and treatment for certain mental health conditions. |
| Side Effects | May cause gastrointestinal symptoms, stomach upset, and increase the risk of electrolyte imbalances. |
| Forms | Ketone salts, ketone esters, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil or powders, and supplements containing beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). |
| Safety | Long-term safety is uncertain, and some doctors are concerned about potential hypoglycemia with the ketogenic diet. |
| Marketing | Marketing claims may be misleading, and consumers should be aware of potential exaggerations of benefits. |
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What You'll Learn
Exogenous ketones may help treat mental health conditions
Exogenous ketones are supplements that can help a person enter a state of ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state in which the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates as its primary source of energy. Ketogenic diets are low-carbohydrate and fat-rich, and ketone supplements are usually supplied as esters or salts.
There is limited evidence to support the beneficial effects of exogenous ketone supplements in psychiatric diseases at the moment. However, the use of exogenous ketone supplements may be a viable alternative or adjuvant to pharmacotherapy in the treatment of these disorders. Recent research has demonstrated that it is possible to rapidly increase and maintain blood levels of ketone bodies in a dose-dependent manner in both animals and humans for the treatment of several CNS diseases. Indeed, exogenous ketone supplements have a modulatory influence on behavior and an anxiolytic effect in animal studies.
It is important to note that there are potential side effects to taking exogenous ketone supplements. They can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and stomach upset in some people. Taking ketone salts also increases the risk of electrolyte imbalances. 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.
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They can be used to maintain ketosis after eating non-keto foods
While the ketogenic diet is high in fat and very low in carbohydrates, it can be challenging to stick to it. Exogenous ketones can be used to maintain ketosis after eating non-keto foods, as they can help the body achieve ketosis without adhering to a strict keto diet. They are synthetic or naturally-derived ketones in the form of supplements, which can elevate ketone levels in the blood, leading to a state of ketosis.
Exogenous ketones can be consumed in two forms: salts and esters. Ketone salts are made by adding artificial ketones to electrolytes, such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium. They can increase electrolyte levels, but higher levels can be harmful to people with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease. Ketone esters are the more potent type of exogenous ketone and may lead to longer ketosis periods and fewer side effects than ketone salts.
Studies have shown that exogenous ketones can effectively induce ketosis. For example, a 2017 study found that both ketone esters and ketone salts induced a state of ketosis in participants who consumed drinks containing these supplements. However, this study had a small sample size, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Exogenous ketones may be beneficial for those who want to maintain ketosis but struggle to follow a restrictive keto diet. They can be purchased over the counter at many health food stores. However, it is important to note that they may cause gastrointestinal symptoms and increase the risk of electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, individuals should consult a doctor before taking these supplements.
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They may cause gastrointestinal symptoms
Exogenous ketones are not necessary for everyone following a ketogenic diet, and there are some potential side effects to consider before taking them. One of the most common side effects is gastrointestinal distress, which can include symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, and stomach pain. These symptoms are thought to occur due to the body's difficulty in breaking down and absorbing the large number of ketones being introduced. This is especially common when consuming ketone esters, which are known to be harder on the digestive system than other forms of exogenous ketones.
The severity of gastrointestinal symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the specific product being used. Some people may experience only mild discomfort, while others may find the side effects more debilitating. It is worth noting that these symptoms typically subside once the body adjusts to the supplement, although this can take some time. Additionally, starting with smaller doses and gradually increasing the amount may help to minimise these side effects.
The consumption of exogenous ketones can also lead to a decrease in natural ketone production. This is because the body senses the presence of high levels of ketones and, in response, reduces its own ketone production. As a result, the body may become reliant on external ketone sources, making it more challenging to maintain a state of ketosis without them. This reduced ketone production may also contribute to gastrointestinal issues, as the body may struggle to effectively
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They are not a weight-loss solution
Exogenous ketones are synthetic or naturally derived ketones in the form of supplements that can help a person achieve ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state in which the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates as its primary source of energy. Ketogenic diets are low-carbohydrate and fat-rich, and ketone supplements are usually supplied as esters or salts.
While exogenous ketones can help induce ketosis, they are not a weight-loss solution. Firstly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the exogenous ketone supplement market. Consequently, these supplements are not tested or evaluated for safety, purity, or effectiveness. There is also limited data on exogenous ketones themselves, as they are a new technology.
Furthermore, while ketogenic diets promote weight and fat loss, the addition of exogenous ketones has not been shown to alter the magnitude of weight loss. A 2021 study investigated the effects of daily exogenous ketone BHB supplementation in the form of a racemic BHB salt in conjunction with a 6-week energy-controlled ketogenic feeding intervention. While the BHB salt transiently elevated BHB concentrations, it did not change the amount of weight loss or the composition of whole-body and regional tissue.
Additionally, ketogenic diets can be challenging to adhere to due to restricted food choices and undesirable side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort. Exogenous ketones may be beneficial for those who find it difficult to stick to the diet, but they are not a substitute for a healthy, real food keto diet. As such, exogenous ketones should not be viewed as a weight-loss solution but rather as a potential tool to support a well-formulated ketogenic diet under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
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They may be useful for treating neurological conditions
Exogenous ketones are synthetic or naturally derived ketones in the form of supplements. They can elevate ketone levels in the blood, leading to a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates as its primary source of energy.
Ketone bodies or ketones are an alternative energy source and have several non-metabolic signalling actions, such as inhibiting inflammation. Because of this, exogenous ketone supplementation has been used to help treat various diseases.
The primary ketone, β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB), has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to reduce neurological injury and brain edema in animal models of ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury. In a study, rats treated with exogenous βHB following a cortical ischemic injury exhibited less oxidative stress, astrogliosis, and neuronal death, along with improved neuronal functioning and sensorimotor performance.
Additionally, a 2019 review suggests that exogenous ketones affect levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, thereby reducing some of the signs of psychiatric conditions. The review authors conclude that exogenous ketone supplements may be an effective treatment for certain mental health conditions.
Exogenous ketones may be a promising therapeutic strategy to meet the energetic needs of the brain in an energy crisis. Preliminary evidence suggests that ketosis induced by exogenous ketones may improve cognitive and motor performance in neurological conditions such as seizure disorders, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and neurotrauma.
However, it is important to note that the effects of exogenous ketones are still being studied, and more research is needed to fully understand their long-term safety and effectiveness.
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Frequently asked questions
Exogenous ketones are synthetic or naturally-derived ketones in the form of supplements. They are created externally and are usually supplied as esters or salts.
Exogenous ketones are not necessary to achieve ketosis, but they can help speed up the process. Ketosis can be achieved through dietary or fasting-related routes, but exogenous ketones provide a way to achieve ketosis without the need for a ketogenic diet, carbohydrate restriction, or fasting.
Exogenous ketones may be helpful for increasing energy during workouts, increasing mental clarity, and reducing hunger. They have also been studied for their potential effects on neurological conditions and cancer treatment. Additionally, exogenous ketones can be beneficial for those who find the keto diet restrictive or challenging to follow.
