Breath Testers For Keto: Do They Work?

Ketone breath testers are devices that measure the amount of acetone in your breath. They are used to determine whether an individual is in a state of ketosis, which is when the body uses fat instead of glucose as its primary source of fuel. There are several different devices on the market that vary in design and price. Some popular options include the Ketonix, Keto Stat, and LEVL.

Breath ketone meters are generally considered to be an easy and convenient way to measure ketones. They are non-invasive, portable, and provide fast results. However, it is important to note that breath acetone levels can be affected by various factors such as dietary macronutrient composition, caloric restriction, exercise, and environmental factors. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the device instructions carefully and be mindful of potential interfering substances when using a ketone breath tester.

How do keto breath testers work?

A keto breath tester is a device that measures the amount of acetone in your breath. Acetone is one of three types of ketone bodies produced during fat metabolism. The other two are acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB).

Acetone is the least abundant ketone body and is exhaled through the lungs as a waste product. It is sometimes called the "exhaust" ketone. Because of its small size, acetone can pass from the blood into the lungs, so small quantities are present in exhaled breath.

Breath ketone testers are non-invasive and can be used many times throughout the day without extra costs. They are considered to be the fastest and most convenient way to measure ketones.

To use a breath ketone tester, you breathe into a tube that measures certain elements on your breath. The tester will then give you a score, which indicates how deep you are in ketosis. The higher your score, the more successful your keto diet may be.

Ketonix

The Ketonix breath tester requires some setup before use. It must be charged for about 12 hours, and you need to download an app onto your smartphone and pair it with the device. The Ketonix includes a rechargeable battery, so you can use it when you're away from an electric outlet.

Once set up, you need to take a deep exhale from the bottom of your lungs into the device to get a measurement. The Ketonix measures acetone levels in parts per million (PPM). The breath value ranges for nutritional ketosis are 4-30 PPM, so you would want your number to fall within this range.

Keyto

The Keyto breath tester is designed like a pen and weighs only 0.95 ounces (27g). One battery lasts over 600 breath measurements. The Keyto sensor measures acetone levels in your breath and lets you know if you are burning fat or sugar for energy.

The Keyto comes with an app that provides lots of practical information for beginners, including recipes and food recommendations. However, the device itself does not have a screen, so you need to use the app to get a reading.

Biosense

The Biosense breath tester is an FDA Class 1 medical device and is considered the most accurate breath acetone meter. It uses an acetone sensor and measures the end of the breath sample, which provides the most accurate readings.

The Biosense has a screen for fast readings, so you don't need to look at your phone to see your results. It also has a unique feature where you feel a subtle haptic feedback sequence when you need to stop blowing into the device.

Greenwon

The Greenwon breath tester is a budget option that measures acetone levels in your breath. It has a simple traffic light system indicating the level of ketosis: green means you are not in ketosis, orange means you are in light ketosis, and red means you are in a medium or higher level of ketosis.

The Greenwon works with a single button and is extremely simple to use. However, it cannot be synced with a smartphone, so you don't get perks like measurement tracking and recipes.

How accurate are keto breath testers?

The accuracy of keto breath testers varies depending on the product and the user. Breath ketone meters are the second most precise way to measure ketones, after blood ketone meters. They measure the amount of acetone in the breath, which ranges from 1 PPM in healthy non-dieting people to 1250 PPM in diabetic ketoacidosis. The breath value ranges for nutritional ketosis are 4-30 PPM.

The Ketonix breath meter, one of the oldest keto breath meter brands, has been described as providing accurate readings. However, it does not have a screen and must be connected to a smartphone to get readings. The Ketonix breath meter also requires some setup before use, including charging for about 12 hours, downloading a smartphone app, and pairing it with the device. The Ketonix breath meter has been shown to confuse alcohol in the breath with ketones, giving elevated results until the alcohol is out of the user's system.

The LEVL breath ketone analyzer is an FDA-cleared point-of-care device that provides highly accurate readings within 15 seconds. The readings have been tested and validated to 91% of the LEVL measurements were within ± 1.0 ppm of the mass spectrometer. However, the LEVL breath ketone analyzer is designed for a clinical setting and is not available for consumers to purchase. The LEVL breath ketone analyzer also requires calibration every 14 days for accuracy.

The Keyto breath meter is another popular option that provides accurate readings and is simple to use. However, it does not have a screen and requires a smartphone to get readings. The Keyto breath meter also takes some time to warm up before each use.

The Biosense breath analyzer is an FDA Class 1 medical device that is currently going through clinical trials. It is considered the most accurate breath acetone meter and uses an acetone sensor to measure the end of the breath sample, providing the most accurate readings. However, the Biosense breath analyzer requires recalibration of the sensor every 6 months, which can be inconvenient and costly.

Overall, while some keto breath testers provide accurate readings, there are also limitations and variations in accuracy among different products. It is important for users to consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing a keto breath tester.

How much do keto breath testers cost?

The cost of keto breath testers varies depending on the brand and features offered. Basic keto breath testers can be purchased for as little as $9 for a urine keto strip test kit, while more advanced devices with additional features can cost upwards of $200. For example, the Ketonix Acetone Breathalyzer, which is relatively inexpensive, offers unlimited tests for a one-time cost. On the other hand, the LEVL ketone breath analyzer, which is highly accurate and provides readings within 15 seconds, is currently only available for clinical settings and is not available for consumers.

Some keto breath testers, such as the Keyto Breath Sensor, offer additional features like personalized meal plans, recipes, and a supportive community. The cost of these devices is usually in the range of $100-200, but they provide valuable insights and guidance for those following a keto diet.

It's worth noting that while breath testers may have a higher upfront cost compared to blood ketone meters or urine strips, they offer the advantage of no additional costs for ongoing use, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.

What are the best keto breath testers?

There are several keto breath testers on the market, and they all work in a similar way: you breathe into the device, and it measures the acetone levels in your breath. Acetone is one of the three ketone bodies produced during fat metabolism, and it's the reason for "keto breath".

Keyto

Keyto is one of the most popular breath testers among the keto community. It's designed like a pen, making it convenient to carry around, and it weighs only 0.95 ounces (27g). The battery lasts for over 600 breath measurements. The device comes with an app that provides lots of practical information for beginners, including recipes and a helpful plan for the first seven days. The main downside is that the device itself doesn't have a screen, so you need to use the app to get a reading. It also takes a bit of time to heat up before each use.

Ketonix

Ketonix is one of the oldest keto breath tester brands. It's owned by a Swedish company and offers worldwide shipping. The device connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, WIFI, or USB. The sensor doesn't need to be replaced and can be used for years. The main downside is that Ketonix doesn't have a screen, so you always need to use a smartphone to get a reading. Additionally, paid software upgrades are required for analysis packages, macro calculators, recipes, and experiments, which come free with competitor devices.

Greenwon by Ortorex

The Greenwon keto breath tester is a great budget option. It has a simple traffic light system to indicate the level of ketosis: green means you're not in ketosis, orange indicates light ketosis, and red means you're in a medium or higher level of ketosis. It's extremely simple to use, even for beginners. The main downside is that it can't be synced with a smartphone, so you don't get features like measurement tracking and recipes. Additionally, the device feels a bit cheap compared to other options.

Biosense

Biosense is considered the most accurate ketone breath analyzer. It's an FDA Class 1 medical device that uses an acetone sensor and measures the end of the breath sample, providing the most accurate readings. It also has a screen for fast readings, so you don't need to check your phone. The main downside is that the sensor needs to be recalibrated every 6 months, which requires shipping the device back to the company and paying a fee.

How do keto breath testers compare to blood and urine tests?

Breath testers are a non-invasive, cost-friendly, and convenient way to measure ketone levels. They are easy to use and can be carried around. Breath meters measure acetone, the least abundant ketone body, which is exhaled through the lungs as a waste product.

Blood tests are the gold standard for testing ketone levels. They are highly accurate and reliable, measuring beta-hydroxybutyrate, the most prevalent and stable ketone body in the blood. However, they are invasive and require a finger prick to obtain a blood sample. They are also relatively expensive in the long run due to the ongoing cost of test strips.

Urine tests are a low-cost and simple option, especially when first starting a keto diet. They measure acetoacetate, which is present in urine, especially in the early stages of ketosis. However, they are inaccurate for determining nutritional ketosis as the body becomes more efficient at converting ketone bodies and is less likely to expel them in the later stages.

Breath testers offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative to blood and urine tests. While they may not be as accurate as blood tests, they are still a reliable way to measure ketone levels without the need for invasive procedures or ongoing costs associated with test strips.

Frequently asked questions