Keto Breathalizers: Do They Work?

Breathalysers are typically used to detect alcohol in a person's breath. However, the ketogenic diet's side effect of keto breath can cause some breathalysers to malfunction and produce false positives. This is because the breath of someone in ketosis may contain isopropyl alcohol, which is a byproduct of the breakdown of fat for fuel. While more advanced breathalysers can differentiate between types of alcohol, cheaper breathalysers that rely on semiconductor technology cannot. As a result, keto dieters may want to opt for breathalysers that use fuel-cell technology, such as those used by police, to avoid false positives.

Keto breathalysers can be used to check if you're in ketosis

The ketogenic diet is a popular eating plan that involves a prolonged period of carbohydrate or caloric restriction, with the body entering a state of ketosis, burning fat for fuel instead of relying on carbs. One of the byproducts of ketosis is acetone, which is released through the breath. This has led to the development of keto breathalysers as a way of measuring ketone levels and checking if someone is in ketosis.

Keto breathalysers work by measuring acetone levels in the breath. Acetone is one of three ketones produced when the body breaks down fat for energy. While B-hydroxybutyrate is tested via blood meters, acetone is small enough to pass from the blood into the lungs and can be measured in the breath. Breath acetone levels have been shown to strongly correlate with blood B-hydroxybutyrate levels, making breathalysers a practical and accurate way to determine the degree of ketosis.

Types of Keto Breathalysers

There are several keto breathalysers on the market, including the Ketonix, LEVL, and Keyto devices. These vary in terms of design, price, and features. For example, the Ketonix requires charging and pairing with a smartphone app before use, while the LEVL device also needs calibration. The Keyto breathalyser is a small, handheld tube that pairs with a smartphone app and provides a "Keyto Level" ranging from 1 (not in ketosis) to 8 (deep ketosis).

Advantages of Keto Breathalysers

Keto breathalysers offer a simple, non-invasive way to measure ketone levels and check if someone is in ketosis. They are also relatively inexpensive compared to other methods such as blood tests, which may be troublesome for certain individuals and require a constant supply of test strips. Breathalysers can be used frequently and provide instant feedback, making them a useful tool for those following the ketogenic diet.

Limitations of Keto Breathalysers

It is important to note that keto breathalysers may not always provide fully trustworthy readings. For example, they may not register carb-heavy foods that were recently consumed, and external factors such as alcohol consumption can interfere with the results. Additionally, the ketogenic diet is not suitable for everyone, and individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or using a keto breathalyser.

They work by measuring acetone levels in your breath

Breathalysers designed for keto dieters work by measuring acetone levels in the breath. Acetone is a ketone produced by the body when it breaks down fat for energy. This process is triggered when a person's diet is low in carbohydrates and high in fat.

The breathalyser devices use sensors to measure acetone levels. Semiconductor sensors, found in cheaper devices, electronically oxidise alcohol using a tin-oxide substance. The measured current indicates the amount of alcohol or acetone in the breath. Fuel conductor sensors, found in more expensive devices, contain two platinum electrodes with a permeable acid-electrolyte material inserted between them. When exhaled air flows past one side of the fuel cell, the platinum instantly oxidises the alcohol, generating acetic acid, electrons, and protons.

Breath acetone assessments have been found to be a practical and accurate method to determine the level of ketosis.

Breathalysers can be inaccurate if you're on the keto diet

When you're in ketosis, your liver breaks down fat for fuel, creating acetone as a byproduct. Some of that acetone is then released through your breath as isopropyl alcohol. The question is, can breathalysers tell the difference between ethanol alcohol and isopropyl alcohol? It depends on the breathalyser.

The inexpensive models that people buy for self-checking their blood alcohol content (BAC) are probably not accurate if they're on the keto diet. These devices rely on semiconductor technology. Inside the device, there's a metal film that measures the change in resistance depending on the number of molecules that hit that film. Basically, regular air expelled from your lungs has a different quantity of molecules than air containing alcohol. From there, the device estimates your BAC. However, there is no evidence that these devices can detect whether those molecules are coming from ethanol or isopropyl.

Most police, however, carry fuel cell-based breathalysers in their cars—and here's where things get complicated. Fuel cell breathalyser manufacturers say their devices can tell the difference between ethanol and isopropyl. However, there is no peer-reviewed data showing that this is indeed the case when either substance is present on its own. Furthermore, when the two substances are mixed, we don't know that the fuel cell devices can differentiate.

One of the few papers on this topic found that under some circumstances, acetone can be converted in the body to isopropanol, and that is oxidised like ethanol by fuel cell breath analysers. However, some breathalyser manufacturers, like BACtrack, disagree. They say their fuel cell breathalysers are ethanol-specific and won't create a current with isopropyl, which is what flags a positive result.

If you're on the keto diet and want to measure your ketone levels, there are breathalysers on the market that measure acetone levels. These are a practical and accurate method to determine the level of ketosis.

Keto breathalysers are more convenient than urine or blood tests

Keto Breathalysers: More Convenient than Urine or Blood Tests

Keto breathalysers are a convenient and accurate way to measure ketones, especially when compared to urine or blood tests. They are easy to use, provide quick results, and are simple to carry around, making them perfect for on-the-go testing. Here are some reasons why keto breathalysers are more convenient:

No Need for Finger Pricking or Bodily Fluids

Unlike blood tests, breathalysers do not require finger-pricking or blood samples. This makes breathalysers less invasive and more appealing to those who are uncomfortable with blood. With a breathalyser, all you need to do is breathe into the device, and you'll get your results within seconds.

Quick and Easy to Use

Breathalysers are simple to use and often require little to no setup. Most devices only need you to breathe into them deeply, and that's it! In contrast, urine tests require you to dip a strip into a urine sample and then wait for a colour change, which can be imprecise and inconsistent. Blood tests, on the other hand, require multiple steps and can be messy.

Portable and Discrete

Keto breathalysers are typically compact and lightweight, about the size of a pen, making them easy to carry around. This means you can test your ketone levels anytime, anywhere—in an Uber, at the yoga class, or even while camping. They are also discrete, so you can test privately without drawing attention.

No Additional Costs

Breathalysers are usually more expensive upfront than blood or urine tests. However, they are a one-time purchase and do not require ongoing costs like test strips or lancets. With breathalysers, you buy the device once and use it multiple times without any additional fees, making them more cost-effective in the long run.

Accurate and Reliable Results

Breathalysers measure acetone levels in the breath, which is a real-time indicator of fat burning. While blood tests are considered the gold standard for accuracy, breathalysers provide the second most precise readings. Additionally, breathalysers are not affected by factors like hydration levels or the time of day, which can impact urine and blood test results.

Instant Feedback

Most breathalysers come with apps that provide instant feedback and practical information. These apps can track your progress, offer recipes, and even suggest macronutrient ratios based on your breath samples. This makes breathalysers a great motivational tool and helps you stay on track with your keto diet.

In conclusion, keto breathalysers offer a convenient, accurate, and discrete way to measure ketone levels. They are easy to use, provide quick results, and are perfect for on-the-go testing, making them a great choice for anyone following a keto diet.

Keto breathalysers are more affordable than urine or blood tests

Keto Breathalysers: More Affordable Than Urine or Blood Tests

Keto breathalysers are a cost-effective way to test ketone levels, especially when compared to urine or blood tests. While blood tests are considered the gold standard for accuracy, breathalysers offer a more affordable option with several additional benefits.

Cost Comparison

Breathalysers can be purchased for as little as $10, while urine test strips typically cost around a nickel per test, and blood tests cost about a dollar per strip. For those testing multiple times a day, the costs of urine and blood tests can quickly add up. In contrast, breathalysers usually require a one-time purchase and can be used indefinitely without additional costs.

Convenience and Ease of Use

Breathalysers are also more convenient and easier to use than urine or blood tests. They are simple to operate, often requiring just the push of a button and a breath exhaled into the device. There is no need for finger pricking or urine collection, making the process less invasive and messy. Additionally, breathalysers are compact and portable, fitting easily into a pocket for on-the-go testing.

Accuracy and Feedback

While blood tests provide the most accurate measurement of ketone levels, breathalysers offer a good balance between accuracy and affordability. They measure acetone levels in the breath, which is a reliable indicator of ketosis. Breathalysers also often come with apps that provide additional information, such as recipes, meal plans, and progress tracking. This makes them a valuable tool for those following a keto diet, as they can help monitor progress and provide feedback on the effectiveness of the diet.

In conclusion, keto breathalysers offer a more affordable, convenient, and user-friendly option compared to urine or blood tests for measuring ketone levels. They are a cost-effective choice, especially for those who test frequently, and their portability and ease of use make them a popular choice for those on keto journeys.

Frequently asked questions