Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Ketone Salt Supplement Alters Energy Metabolism, Blood Glucose and Ketone Levels But Not Appetite or Energy Intake

The purpose of this study was to determine the acute effect of Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) Ketone Salt (KS) on blood glucose and ketone levels, appetite profile, energy metabolism and intake, affect, and cognitive function. Twenty-two healthy females (age: 26 7 y, Body fat %: 28 8.2, Body Mass Index: 26 8.6 kg/m 2 ) were recruited to participate in a single-blind crossover study design. Participants were randomly assigned to consume either 0.25g/kg of KS or flavor matched Placebo (PL). During each visit, participants blood glucose and ketone levels were measured at pre-, 0, 45 and 90 minutes. Indirect calorimetry was used to measure the thermic effect of the supplement at 30-45 and 75-90 minutes. Participants completed an appetite profile survey at pre-, 0, 30, 60 and 90 minutes. Affect and cognitive function were measured pre-, 0 and 45 minutes. Energy intake following an ad libitum breakfast was recorded. A significant supplement effect was observed for blood glucose (KS: 9110, 8310, 848, 828 mg/dL and PL: 918, 8810, 898, 869 mg/dL, p=0.04) and ketone levels (KS: 0.30.2, 0.50.2, 0.40.2 Mmol/L and PL: 0.30.3, 0.20.2, 0.20.2 Mmol/L, p < 0.001) at pre, 0, 45 and 90 min, respectively. A significant difference over time (p<0.001) but not between supplements (p>0.05) was observed for appetite profile including satiety, hunger, fullness and desire to eat and cognitive function. Greater oxygen consumption was observed in KS (p=0.007) compared to PS (p>0.05). However, no significant difference in energy intake at breakfast (p=0.94) was observed between KS: 200116 kcals and PL: 203107 kcals. KS supplement caused modest elevation in blood ketone levels and reduced glucose, suggesting improved glycemic control, however, did not influence perceived satiety or energy intake.