Recent research from American scientists at the University of North Alabama explored whether nutritional supplements based on ketones influence cognitive performance in female athletes. The study focused on how these supplements might affect mental tasks that require quick thinking, memory, and attention. The findings indicate that, for this group, ketone-based supplements did not yield meaningful improvements in cognitive function during or after training sessions.
Ketone bodies are chemical compounds produced by the body when fat is broken down for energy. This metabolic process becomes prominent when glucose, the body’s usual energy source, is in short supply. Glucose shortages can occur during fasting, intense physical exertion, or when following a ketogenic diet that lowers carbohydrate intake to push the body toward ketosis.
During ketosis, the body shifts its primary energy source from glucose to ketone bodies. This shift has been associated with a range of potential health effects, including weight management and various aspects of brain function. While ketosis is a natural metabolic state, the effects of exogenous ketone supplements on cognitive abilities remain a topic of ongoing investigation.
The conducted study showed that while blood levels of ketones rose after supplementation, there was no corresponding enhancement in speed or clarity of thought among the participants. The research involved twelve female athletes who were split into two groups. One group received a ketone supplement before training, while the other group received a placebo. All participants completed a battery of cognitive tests before and after taking the trial substances.
Interestingly, the results revealed that ketone supplementation can trigger a state of ketosis without tightly restricting carbohydrate intake. Despite achieving this metabolic state, the athletes did not experience improved brain performance. In fact, many reported that the mental load was more challenging on test days, independent of whether real ketone supplements or a placebo were used.
Participants did note other subjective effects. Some women reported feeling a slight boost in general well-being and resilience when taking ketone supplements, though these sensations did not translate into measurable gains in cognitive speed or accuracy during the assessments.
From a scientific perspective, the takeaway is nuanced. Ketone supplements may offer certain health advantages when used moderately and thoughtfully, but they do not appear to raise IQ levels or markedly enhance cognitive function in the context of this study’s design and endpoints.
Earlier research in related areas has suggested that probiotic supplements could be beneficial for brain health as well. While this line of inquiry may point to interesting intersections between gut health and cognitive function, the current study on ketones remains focused on how these specific metabolic interventions impact mental performance in female athletes during training.