Keto Pens: Do They Work For Weight Loss?

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat approach to weight loss that is widely popular but challenging to follow. The keto diet eliminates nearly all carbohydrates and relies on calories from fat for fuel, a process called ketosis. To help monitor this, keto breath meters have been developed to measure acetone levels in the breath, indicating whether the body is in a state of ketosis. One such product is the Keyto breath sensor, a small, handheld tube that connects to a smartphone app and provides a \Keyto Level\ to indicate whether the body is burning fat or sugar for energy. While these products can be useful for monitoring ketosis, it's important to note that they may not always provide fully accurate or trustworthy readings, especially right after eating. Additionally, keto supplements in the form of pills, powders, or gummies claim to help boost ketone levels and achieve ketosis faster, but there is limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness, and they may come with potential health risks.

How do keto pens work?

The Keyto keto pen is a breathalyzer and mobile app that tells you when your body is in ketosis—the state where your body burns fat for fuel. The Keyto measures acetone levels in your breath, a by-product that your body makes when going through ketosis.

The Keyto pen is roughly the size of a vape pen and weighs only 0.95 ounces (27g). It is easy to self-assemble and convenient to carry around. The pen comes with a carrying case, one AAA battery, and four mouthpieces. The battery lasts over 600 breath measurements.

To use the Keyto pen, you blow into the device three times a day. The Keyto measures your breath for acetone, and the accompanying app on your phone calculates your "Keyto Level." A level of 1-3 means your body is still using carbs for energy, 4 means you're in "light ketosis," 5-7 means you're in full ketosis, and level 8 is "Deep Ketosis."

The Keyto app also provides food recommendations, recipes, and meal plans. It also has a community feature and general advice about following the keto diet.

Are keto pens accurate?

The accuracy of keto pens is a highly debated topic. While some users claim that these devices provide accurate readings, others express concerns about their reliability. Here is a detailed analysis of the discussion surrounding the accuracy of keto pens.

The Technology Behind Keto Pens

Keto pens, also known as ketone breath meters or breath analysers, are designed to detect the presence of acetone in the breath. Acetone is one of the three ketones produced by the body when it breaks down fat for energy, a process known as ketosis. By measuring acetone levels, keto pens claim to indicate whether an individual is in a state of ketosis, which is the goal of a keto diet. This non-invasive approach offers a convenient alternative to urine tests or finger prick blood tests for monitoring ketosis.

User Experiences and Reviews

Several users have provided feedback on their experiences with keto pens, particularly the popular brand Keyto. Some users praise the device for its ease of use, portability, and accuracy. They find it to be a motivating tool that helps them stay on track with their keto diet and weight loss goals. In reviews, users have claimed that the Keyto pen provides accurate readings and that it is more cost-efficient than blood checkers.

Limitations and Criticisms

However, it is important to note that the accuracy of keto pens has been questioned by some users and experts. One limitation of keto pens is that they provide a snapshot of acetone levels at a particular moment, which may be influenced by various factors such as dietary intake, exercise, and environmental conditions. Walt Hickey, a data editor who tried the Keyto test, noted that the device did not always detect carb-heavy foods if he tested right after eating them. Additionally, the founders of Keyto themselves caution that a single reading should not be taken as an absolute indication of success or failure in low-carb eating. They emphasise that multiple factors, including diet, exercise, and timing of the test, can impact the acetone levels detected by the device.

Comparison with Other Methods

It is worth comparing the accuracy of keto pens with other methods of ketone detection. Blood ketone meters, which involve pricking your finger to draw blood, are considered the gold standard for ketone detection. They directly measure the concentration of BHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate), one of the ketone bodies, in the blood. This method provides an exact measurement and is highly accurate. However, it is more invasive, costly, and less convenient than using a keto pen. Urine strips, which detect the presence of ketones in the urine, are another option, but they are the least effective and least reliable method as ketone levels in the urine can decrease over time, even while in ketosis.

In conclusion, while keto pens may provide a reasonable indication of ketone levels and offer a convenient way to monitor a keto diet, they have limitations in terms of accuracy. Their readings can be influenced by various factors, and they may not always detect recent dietary choices. For a truly accurate measurement of ketone levels, blood ketone meters are still considered the gold standard. However, for those seeking a non-invasive and portable option, keto pens can be a useful tool, despite their limitations.

How much do keto pens cost?

The cost of keto pens varies depending on the brand and features offered. Some keto pens, like the Keyto Breath Sensor, offer a comprehensive package that includes the device, a carrying case, a battery, and mouthpieces. This particular pen is priced at $179 for the retail version, while early backers on Indiegogo were able to purchase it for $99.

The Keyto Breath Sensor is designed to be a convenient size, weighing only 0.95 ounces (27 grams), and its battery lasts for over 600 breath measurements. It connects to an app on your phone, which provides a "Keyto Level" to indicate whether your body is in ketosis, as well as additional features like recipes and meal plans.

Other keto pens with similar functionality may fall within a similar price range, but it's important to note that prices can vary based on the specific features and brand reputation. Some keto pens may be more affordable, while others with additional features or a well-known brand name could be more expensive.

It's always a good idea to research multiple options and read reviews before making a purchase decision to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.

What is the best keto pen?

The best keto pen will depend on your needs and preferences. Here are some options to consider:

Keyto Breath Sensor

The Keyto Breath Sensor is a popular choice among the keto community. It is designed like a pen, making it convenient in size and easy to carry around. It weighs only 0.95 ounces (27g) and a single battery can last over 600 breath measurements. The sensor measures acetone levels in your breath, indicating whether you are burning fat or sugar for energy. It comes with an app that provides recipes, food recommendations, and a helpful plan for the first seven days, including a shopping list. The device itself does not have a screen, so you will need to view your readings on a mobile device. It is reasonably priced and currently costs $99, with a retail price of $179.

Ketonix

Ketonix is one of the oldest keto breath meter brands in the market. It analyzes your breath for acetone to determine if you are burning fat or carbs for energy. The biggest advantage of Ketonix is that its sensor does not need to be replaced and can be used for years. It supports Bluetooth, WiFi, and USB connections, and can be used with a smartphone app. However, the device does not have a screen, so you will need to connect it to your smartphone to view your readings. Ketonix offers software upgrades for an additional cost, which includes an analysis package, macro calculator, recipes, and experiments.

Lumen

Lumen is a breathalyzer that measures CO2 concentration in your breath to tell you if your body is using carbs or fats for energy. It is well-designed, feels premium in hand, and is effective as a motivational tool. The Lumen app offers recipes and allows you to add or remove ingredients. However, it is not specifically designed for the keto diet and does not measure acetone levels. It works well for those who are struggling with the strict keto diet but still want to limit their carb intake.

Biosense

Biosense is an FDA Class 1 medical device and is considered the most accurate ketone breath analyzer in terms of accuracy. It uses an acetone sensor and measures the end of the breath sample, providing the most precise readings. It has a screen for fast readings and features haptic feedback to indicate when to stop blowing. However, it is suggested that the sensor be recalibrated every 6 months, which requires shipping the device back to the company and paying a fee of $74.99 after the first year of warranty.

Greenwon by Ortorex

The Greenwon keto breath tester by Ortorex is a budget-friendly option. It measures acetone levels on your breath and indicates whether you are in ketosis or not using a simple traffic light system. It is extremely simple to use and works with a single button. However, it cannot be synced with a smartphone, so you don't get features like measurement tracking, community, and recipes. The device also feels a bit cheap in hand compared to other options.

Are keto pens safe?

The safety of keto pens depends on various factors, and it is always advisable to consult a medical professional before using any dietary supplements or devices. Keto pens, also known as ketone breath meters or breath analysers, are devices that measure the amount of acetone in your breath, indicating whether your body is in a state of ketosis. While generally considered safe, there are some potential risks and considerations to keep in mind:

Accuracy and Efficacy:

Keto pens provide a non-invasive and convenient way to monitor ketone levels, especially when compared to blood tests or urine strips. However, the accuracy of these devices may vary, and a single reading should not be solely relied upon. Keto pens can be influenced by various factors, including dietary intake, exercise, and individual variations. Additionally, while some keto pens connect to apps that provide meal plans and recipes, the efficacy of these dietary recommendations may not be guaranteed.

Potential Health Risks:

The keto diet itself may pose certain health risks for some individuals. While it can be beneficial for weight loss and managing conditions like Type-2 diabetes and epilepsy, it can also lead to "keto flu," a group of flu-like symptoms that occur during the initial transition to the diet. More importantly, there is some evidence that the keto diet can significantly impact cholesterol levels, and it may not be suitable for everyone. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting any restrictive diet like keto to ensure it is safe for your specific health needs.

Product Quality and Contamination:

The quality of keto pens can vary, and cheaper options may not provide accurate readings. Additionally, dietary supplements, including keto products, are not regulated by the FDA, so there is a risk of contamination or mislabelling. It is essential to purchase keto pens from reputable sources and look for products tested and certified by third-party organisations to ensure safety and accuracy.

In conclusion, while keto pens are generally considered safe, it is important to approach them with caution. Consult a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes, and be wary of potential risks associated with the keto diet and the variability in product quality and accuracy.

Frequently asked questions