The effects of 2 days of intermittent exogenous ketosis at high altitude on baroreflex sensitivity and ventilation under hypoxic and hypercapnic conditions

Thirty-four healthy active adults were tested at sea level and again after 2 days at terrestrial high altitude (3,375 m), during which they intermittently ingested either ketone monoester (IEK) or placebo (PLA). Baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability were reduced at altitude but did not differ by group. Ventilation at altitude was significantly higher with IEK than PLA in neutral, hypoxic and hypercapnic conditions (all p < 0.001), which gave higher oxygen saturation and capillary O2 pressure in hypoxia and lower CO2 values in hypercapnia.