Short-term ketone monoester supplementation improves cerebral blood flow and cognition in obesity: A randomized cross-over trial

In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial, 14 adults with obesity (mean age 56) consumed 30 mL (12 g) of beta-hydroxybutyrate (beta-OHB) or placebo three times daily for 14 days. After supplementation, common carotid artery blood flow rose 12 percent, vertebral artery blood flow 11 percent, vertebral artery cerebrovascular conductance 12 percent, and vertebral artery shear rate 10 percent. Digit-symbol substitution test performance improved by 2.7 correct responses and was positively associated with the cerebrovascular improvements. Beta-OHB did not affect fasting serum or plasma BDNF.