The Effects of Exogenous Ketones on Cognitive Function

Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Placebo - Control, Ketone Monoester

In brief

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the acute effects of exogenous ketone monoester (KME) supplementation on cognitive function in three groups of adults aged 19-55 years: (1) obese, sedentary individuals; (2) lean, sedentary individuals; and (3) lean individuals who engage in regular physical activity (e.g., collegiate or amateur athletes). The main questions it aims to answer are to: * Assess the effects of acute KME supplementation versus placebo on cognitive, sensorimotor, and functional outcomes within groups. * Compare cognitive performance across the three groups. The primary outcome is cognitive performance assessed using the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery. Secondary Outcomes include sensorimotor performance, measured using the Senaptec Sensory System, and driving performance, assessed with a driving simulator.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07051655

Run by

University of Alabama at Birmingham

People needed

45

Starts

2025-12-01

Expected to finish

2027-07-31

Last updated by the study team

2026-07-13

Who can join

Age: 19 and older, up to 55. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 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

You may not qualify if…

• 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

Where it is running

• 916 Building — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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