Keto Weight Loss Tablets: Safe Or Not?

The keto diet is a popular weight loss strategy that involves eating a low-carb, high-fat diet to achieve a state of nutritional ketosis. In this state, the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. While the keto diet can be effective for weight loss, it is challenging to maintain, and consuming even a small amount of carbohydrates can shut off ketosis. Keto weight loss pills have been introduced to help people stay in ketosis, but do they work, and are they safe?

Side effects of keto weight loss tablets

While keto diet pills are generally considered safe, excessive consumption can lead to several side effects. One of the biggest concerns with ingesting ketone salts is the high amount of minerals, such as sodium, that you need to ingest to stay in ketosis, which may lead to mineral toxicity. This is especially important for people with high blood pressure who need to moderate their salt intake.

Other common side effects of keto diet pills include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. One study found that 13 out of 19 participants who consumed ketone salts suffered from gastrointestinal distress. These side effects are more common with ketone salts than ketone esters.

Keto diet pills can also be high in calories, which may counteract weight loss goals. Additionally, they can be expensive, with each serving costing upwards of $3.

Furthermore, there is a risk of scams with some keto products, especially those heavily promoted on social media. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements, so there is a chance that what is listed on the label may not accurately reflect the contents of the product.

The efficacy of keto weight loss tablets

There are a few main types of keto diet pills or exogenous ketone supplements: ketone esters, ketone salts, and MCT oils. Ketone esters are packaged in liquid form and are bound to an ester, a chemical compound derived from an acid. Ketone salts are typically powder supplements that are sometimes ingested by mixing with liquid. The ketones are bound to a type of salt like magnesium, calcium, sodium, or potassium. MCT oil stands for medium-chain triglycerides and is a type of saturated fat that the liver quickly converts into ketones.

Some studies have shown that keto diet pills may increase the levels of ketones in the body, but this increased level of ketones did not lead to weight loss when compared to people who followed a keto diet and did not take keto supplements. One small study found that exogenous ketone supplements reduced appetite for over four hours, which may be promising for weight loss. However, additional studies are needed before ketone supplements can be recommended for appetite control.

It's important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements, including keto products, so there is a chance that what is in the bottle is not accurately reflected on the label, and the contents may even contain heavy metals and other contaminants. The long-term effects of keto diet pills are also unknown, and excessive consumption may lead to uncomfortable side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The safety of keto weight loss tablets

Keto weight loss tablets are supplements that claim to help with weight loss by inducing a state of ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state in which the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. While keto weight loss tablets may help induce ketosis, there is limited evidence that they promote weight loss. In fact, some evidence suggests that they may even hinder it.

Keto diet pills contain sources of ketones, including keto salts, which are usually a mixture of electrolytes such as magnesium and potassium, minerals such as calcium, and keto compounds such as beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). BHB is a ketone produced by the liver when the body is in ketosis. By raising blood ketone levels, keto tablets are thought to mimic the state of ketosis achieved through a ketogenic diet.

Exogenous ketone supplements are generally considered safe and effective for increasing ketone body concentrations. However, the long-term effects are unknown. Reported side effects include nausea, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and a poor aftertaste.

Ketone supplements may not be safe for people with high blood pressure or kidney disease due to the high amounts of minerals and salt they contain. Additionally, since dietary supplements, including keto pills, are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is a risk of consuming unknown or additional ingredients that may be harmful.

While keto tablets can help induce ketosis, there is limited evidence that they promote weight loss. One study found that consuming BHB supplements for six weeks enhanced ketosis but did not lead to significant weight loss compared to a group that did not take BHB supplements. Another study suggested that ketone supplements may even hinder weight loss by preventing body fat from being used as fuel.

Alternatives to Keto Tablets

Instead of taking keto tablets, following a keto diet may be a more effective way to induce ketosis and promote weight loss. However, it is important to note that the keto diet is restrictive and may be challenging to follow consistently.

Other proven weight loss options include obesity counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy, and various medical weight loss programs and medications.

The ingredients in keto weight loss tablets

Keto weight loss tablets typically contain two active ingredients: ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

Ketone Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB)

Ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a compound that the liver produces from fats. These small molecules circulate in the bloodstream and are used by the body's tissue for energy. BHB is naturally synthesized in the liver from fatty acids and is used for energy when a person is in ketosis.

Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are predominantly saturated fats that are broken down in the liver. They are a type of fat found in coconut and palm oil and can be used as a source of energy for the body in ketosis.

Ketone Salts

Ketone salts are ketones bound to a salt, typically sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium. They are most often found in powder form and mixed with liquid. One serving of ketone salts provides:

• 680mg of sodium (27% of the DV)
• 320mg of magnesium (85% of the DV)
• 590mg of calcium (57% of the DV)

Ketone Esters

Ketone esters are ketones linked to another compound called an ester and are packaged in liquid form. They are used primarily in research and are not as readily available for purchase as ketone salts.

Other Ingredients

Keto gummies, for example, are often made with apple cider vinegar, which companies say boosts metabolism and promotes weight loss. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support this claim. Most keto gummies are also sweetened with a non-nutritive sweetening agent, such as stevia, and contain gelatin, which gives them their signature chewy-candy texture.

The cost of keto weight loss tablets

The cost of keto supplements can add up quickly, as they are often taken multiple times a day and may need to be purchased repeatedly to maintain ketosis. For instance, a serving of ketone salts typically contains less than 100 calories, but to stay in ketosis, you may need several servings throughout the day. At upwards of $3 per serving, these supplements can become costly.

In addition to the financial cost, there is also a risk of health costs associated with keto supplements. While generally considered safe, they have been linked to side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort. Furthermore, there is a lack of research on the long-term effects of these supplements.

Frequently asked questions