Dose-Dependent Beneficial Effect of Ketone Supplement-Evoked Ketosis on Anxiety Level in Female WAG/Rij Rats: Sometimes Less Is More

This animal study gave female WAG/Rij rats the ketone supplement KEMCT, a 1:1 mix of 1,3-butanediol-acetoacetate diester and medium-chain triglyceride oil, by intragastric gavage for 7 days, and measured anxiety with the light-dark box test. The lower dose of 3 g/kg/day increased blood R-beta-hydroxybutyrate and significantly decreased anxiety levels, including increased time in the light compartment, on day 7. The higher dose of 5 g/kg/day raised blood R-beta-hydroxybutyrate more but did not significantly improve anxiety levels.