The Effects of Exogenous Ketones on Cognitive Function

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · Jun 25, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how taking a special supplement called exogenous ketone monoester (KME) might affect thinking skills and brain function in adults aged 19 to 55. The study will look at three groups of people: those who are obese and not very active, those who are lean and not very active, and those who are lean and regularly active, like athletes. Researchers want to see if taking KME can improve memory, attention, coordination, and even driving ability compared to taking a placebo (a harmless, inactive substance). They will measure these effects using tests for thinking skills, sensorimotor abilities (how the brain controls movement), and driving simulation.

To join the study, participants need to be between 19 and 55 years old and fit into one of the three groups based on body weight and activity level. For example, obese participants should have a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40 and do less than 2 hours of exercise per week, while athletes should be lean with a BMI between 18 and 25 and exercise at least 5 days a week. People with certain neurological conditions, seizure history, or who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or currently using ketone supplements or ketogenic diets are not eligible. Participants can expect to take the supplement or placebo once and then complete a series of tests to measure their brain and motor skills. This study is not yet recruiting but aims to better understand how KME might help different groups of people with brain function.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 19-55 years
• • BMI 30-40 (obese group) or 18-25 (lean and athlete groups)
• • Sedentary status (\<2 hrs/week of structured physical activity) for obese and lean groups
• • Active athlete status (≥5 days/week of structured activity) for athlete group
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosed neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, muscular dystrophy, stroke, cerebral palsy)
• • History of seizures
• • Use of medications for diabetes, mood disorders, or attention disorders
• • Pregnant or breastfeeding
• • Current or recent use (within 1 month) of exogenous ketone supplements or adherence to a ketogenic diet