Ketone supplements worsen performance in trained endurance athletes, researchers find

[OctoberRed]

Kinesiologists at McMaster University have found ketone supplements, used by some athletes hoping to cross the finish line faster, may in fact worsen performance.

The new study, published in the latest print edition of the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, tackles contradictory research findings related to the effectiveness of ketone supplements, which have gained popularity among athletes seeking a competitive advantage.

Some previously published studies had shown the supplements improve performance, while others have reported they had no effect or even worsened performance.

Natural ketones can serve as fuels for the brain and muscles. A ketogenic diet -characterized by very low carbohydrate and typically high fat intake -- causes the body to produce more organic ketone compounds and increase their use for energy.

Ketone supplements speed up that process, without the strict diet.

"One of the main perceived benefits is that ketones may serve as an alternative fuel source during exercise or potentially alter the utilization of other major fuel such as carbohydrates and fats, and in turn enhance endurance capacity," explains Martin Gibala, supervising author of the study and a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University. "But our findings suggest that isn't the case."

The McMaster researchers recruited well-trained endurance athletes who cycled five or more hours per week, selecting them because their athletic performance is consistent from day to day. The experiment was conducted in a lab but simulated race conditions and the participants prepared as they normally would for a cycling competition.

Each participant completed two trials that differed only in the drink provided before they completed a 20-minute cycling time trial that closely predicts 40-km race performance. The drinks contained either a ketone supplement or a similar-tasting placebo.

The research was structured as a double-blind study, meaning neither the researchers nor the athletes knew whether the ketone supplement or the placebo was provided.

"The main observation from this study was that the speed that the cyclists could sustain during the test was lower after drinking the ketone supplement compared to the placebo," says Devin McCarthy, lead author of the study and graduate student in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster.

Researchers say the findings align with their previous work which found ketone supplements increased cardiorespiratory stress during exercise.

They are currently investigating responses to varying doses of the supplements at different exercise intensities to better understand how ketones may affect performance, and the potential underlying mechanisms.

[Omegamanic]

Kinesiologists at McMaster University have found ketone supplements, used by some athletes hoping to cross the finish line faster, may in fact worsen performance.

The new study, published in the latest print edition of the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, tackles contradictory research findings related to the effectiveness of ketone supplements, which have gained popularity among athletes seeking a competitive advantage.

Some previously published studies had shown the supplements improve performance, while others have reported they had no effect or even worsened performance.

Natural ketones can serve as fuels for the brain and muscles. A ketogenic diet -characterized by very low carbohydrate and typically high fat intake -- causes the body to produce more organic ketone compounds and increase their use for energy.

Ketone supplements speed up that process, without the strict diet.

"One of the main perceived benefits is that ketones may serve as an alternative fuel source during exercise or potentially alter the utilization of other major fuel such as carbohydrates and fats, and in turn enhance endurance capacity," explains Martin Gibala, supervising author of the study and a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University. "But our findings suggest that isn't the case."

The McMaster researchers recruited well-trained endurance athletes who cycled five or more hours per week, selecting them because their athletic performance is consistent from day to day. The experiment was conducted in a lab but simulated race conditions and the participants prepared as they normally would for a cycling competition.

Each participant completed two trials that differed only in the drink provided before they completed a 20-minute cycling time trial that closely predicts 40-km race performance. The drinks contained either a ketone supplement or a similar-tasting placebo.

The research was structured as a double-blind study on Archery Pick, meaning neither the researchers nor the athletes knew whether the ketone supplement or the placebo was provided.

"The main observation from this study was that the speed that the cyclists could sustain during the test was lower after drinking the ketone supplement compared to the placebo," says Devin McCarthy, lead author of the study and graduate student in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster.

Researchers say the findings align with their previous work which found ketone supplements increased cardiorespiratory stress during exercise.

They are currently investigating responses to varying doses of the supplements at different exercise intensities to better understand how ketones may affect performance, and the potential underlying mechanisms.

The recent study conducted by Kinesiologists at McMaster University reveals that ketone supplements, often used by athletes to enhance performance, may not have the desired effect and could even worsen performance. Ketone supplements have gained popularity among athletes seeking a competitive advantage due to their potential to serve as alternative fuel sources during exercise or alter the utilization of carbohydrates and fats, thereby enhancing endurance capacity. The researchers recruited well-trained endurance athletes for the study and conducted a 20-minute cycling time trial, closely predicting a 40-km race performance. The participants were given either a ketone supplement or a similar-tasting placebo before the trial. The study was double-blind, meaning neither the researchers nor the athletes were aware of which drink was provided. The findings showed that the cyclists' speed during the test was lower after consuming the ketone supplement compared to the placebo. This contradicts some previously published studies suggesting that ketone supplements improve performance. The researchers also noted that their previous work indicated that ketone supplements increased cardiorespiratory stress during exercise. Despite these results, the researchers are not ruling out the potential benefits of ketone supplements altogether. They are planning to investigate the effects of varying doses of the supplements at different exercise intensities to gain a deeper understanding of how ketones may impact performance and the potential underlying mechanisms. In conclusion, while ketone supplements have gained popularity among athletes, this study suggests that their effectiveness may vary among individuals, and caution should be exercised when considering their use as a performance-enhancing aid. As with any supplement or dietary intervention, it's crucial for athletes and individuals to consult with healthcare professionals or sports nutrition experts to make informed decisions about their training and performance optimization.

[OctoberRed]

The recent study conducted by Kinesiologists at McMaster University reveals that ketone supplements, often used by athletes to enhance performance, may not have the desired effect and could even worsen performance. Ketone supplements have gained popularity among athletes seeking a competitive advantage due to their potential to serve as alternative fuel sources during exercise or alter the utilization of carbohydrates and fats, thereby enhancing endurance capacity. The researchers recruited well-trained endurance athletes for the study and conducted a 20-minute cycling time trial, closely predicting a 40-km race performance. The participants were given either a ketone supplement or a similar-tasting placebo before the trial. The study was double-blind, meaning neither the researchers nor the athletes were aware of which drink was provided. The findings showed that the cyclists' speed during the test was lower after consuming the ketone supplement compared to the placebo. This contradicts some previously published studies suggesting that ketone supplements improve performance. The researchers also noted that their previous work indicated that ketone supplements increased cardiorespiratory stress during exercise. Despite these results, the researchers are not ruling out the potential benefits of ketone supplements altogether. They are planning to investigate the effects of varying doses of the supplements at different exercise intensities to gain a deeper understanding of how ketones may impact performance and the potential underlying mechanisms. In conclusion, while ketone supplements have gained popularity among athletes, this study suggests that their effectiveness may vary among individuals, and caution should be exercised when considering their use as a performance-enhancing aid. As with any supplement or dietary intervention, it's crucial for athletes and individuals to consult with healthcare professionals or sports nutrition experts to make informed decisions about their training and performance optimization.

Some good knowledge here.