The Effects of Exogenous Ketosis on Ultra-endurance Recovery and Performance

Launched by KU LEUVEN · May 1, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how taking a supplement called ketone ester—before sleep and after exercise—can help improve recovery and performance for people who participate in long-distance cycling events. The researchers want to see if this supplement can help athletes feel less tired both physically and mentally after multi-day cycling races, like the upcoming 2025 Absa Cape Epic.

To join the study, participants should be active cyclists who have been riding regularly for at least a year, logging about 7 hours of cycling each week in the six months before the trial. They should also be non-smokers and not following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. However, people with certain health conditions, injuries, or those taking specific medications may not be eligible. Participants can expect to take the ketone supplement and report on their recovery and performance during the cycling race, helping researchers understand how effective this treatment might be.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • have been cycling consistently for at least 1 year before entry into the study
• • have been cycling for a minimum of 7 hours per week for the 6 months leading up to the study
• • additional for the field study: valid entry to the 2025 edition of the Absa Cape Epic
• • non-smoker
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Do not follow a ketogenic diet or low-carbohydrate diet
• • Have any metabolic or auto-immune disease that will influence their metabolism
• • Take medication or supplements that is known to affect ketone supplement metabolism
• • suffering from a recurring injury or illness from which they have not fully recovered that is a contr-indication to perform high-intensity exercise
• • Unable to finish each stage
• • Women: if they are pregnant or breastfeeding