Ketone Drinks and Ageing
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the immunometabolic and cognitive effects of 4 weeks of ketone supplementation in older adults
IRAS ID
326472
Contact name
Dylan Thompson
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
12 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Background: Research shows that ketones have beneficial effects on metabolism, inflammation and brain health in humans. In mice, they have also been shown to influence pathways involved in ageing. Ketones are natural molecules that are produced by the body when people fast (abstain from eating) for longer than 16-24 hours or eat a diet low in carbohydrates. It is now possible to consume ketones in the form of a drink. Several clinical studies are underway to test the use of ketone drinks in people with heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairment, among other conditions.
Aims: This study aims to investigate if consuming a ketone drink for 4 weeks improves immune, metabolic and cognitive health in adults aged 60 to 80 years.
Methodology: The study will be a randomised controlled trial. We will recruit 30 participants (male and female) aged 60 to 80 years old with stable health. Participants will undergo 2 weeks of baseline monitoring followed by a 4-week supplementation period in which they will drink a ketone drink or placebo three times a day. During these periods, participants will record their diet and supplement intake and monitor their physical activity and blood glucose using wearable devices. At the beginning and end of the supplementation period, participants will come to the physiology laboratories at the University of Bath for testing. Here, we will measure their body weight, body composition, blood pressure, cognitive function and physical function, and take samples of expired air, fat tissue and blood for analysis. We will also assess sleep and quality of life via questionnaires. This study will be conducted by a research team with experience in running human physiology trials.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SW/0067
Date of REC Opinion
22 May 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion