The Effect of Novel Exogenous Ketone Supplements on Blood Beta-Hydroxybutyrate and Glucose

In a double-blind randomized cross-over pilot study, 12 healthy individuals (age 29 plus or minus 5 years, 42 percent female) each took three supplements providing 10 g of active ingredient: the monoester (R)-3-hydroxybutyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate, D-beta-hydroxybutyric acid with R-1,3-butanediol, and R-1,3-butanediol alone. Blood beta-hydroxybutyrate and glucose were measured by finger prick over 240 minutes. Beta-hydroxybutyrate rose above baseline in all conditions, with the highest total and incremental area under the curve and peak values after the monoester. Blood glucose fell after each supplement with no difference in area under the curve, acceptability was greatest for D-beta-hydroxybutyric acid with R-1,3-butanediol, and there was no effect on hunger or evidence of gastrointestinal distress.