Ketone Monoester for Hormonal Imbalance After Resistance Training

Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byTyler Churchward-Venne, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Male

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: N/A

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: McGill University

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This study investigates how orally ingested exogenous ketone monoester supplements affect circulating hormone concentrations in healthy young adult males after a single session of resistance exercise. Resistance exercise is known to stimulate an acute increase in the circulating concentration of various hormones that are involved in the regulation of muscle mass, including testosterone, growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Recently, there has been growing interest in how nutritional supplements impact these natural hormone responses at rest. One such intervention is the oral ingestion of exogenous ketone body supplements. Ketone bodies (i.e., β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB), acetoacetate (AcAc), and acetone) are naturally occurring compounds that are normally produced by the body during prolonged fasting/starvation, or in response to a "ketogenic" diet (a diet very high in fat and very low in carbohydrates). These ketone body supplements taken in the form of a ketone monoester can quickly raise blood ketone levels without needing to change your diet. Recent research has shown that the ingestion of exogenous ketone supplements or following a 'ketogenic diet' can alter the concentration of certain hormones measured in blood samples at rest. However, the effects of ketone monoester intake on the exercise-induced elevation in circulating hormones is yet to be explored. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine how elevated β-HB, induced via the ingestion of the ketone monoester (R)-3-hydroxybutyl-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate, affects blood concentrations of various anabolic hormones, during post-exercise recovery in healthy young adult males, compared to a placebo drink (flavoured water).

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthy young adult males interested in how a ketone monoester supplement might affect their hormone levels after resistance exercise. Participants should be regularly involved in resistance training and not currently taking any hormonal supplements.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a healthy man aged between 18 and 40.

I have kept my medication, diet, lifestyle, and weight stable for the last 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a history of blood clots or heart disease.

I have an injury to my knee, such as an ACL tear.

I am currently using ketone supplements or following a ketogenic diet.

Treatment Details

The study is testing the impact of a ketone monoester drink on post-exercise hormone levels, like testosterone and growth hormone, compared to a placebo. It aims to see if this supplement can alter the body's natural hormonal response to resistance training.

2Treatment groups

Active Control

Placebo Group

Group I: Ketone Monoester (KET)Active Control2 Interventions

Ketone monoester supplement: (R)-3-hydroxybutyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate dosed based on participants' body weight (0.36g/kg body weight). The nutritional beverage will be consumed twice: 30 minutes prior to the exercise workout (t = -60 min) and immediately following the completion of the exercise protocol (t = 0 min).

Group II: Placebo drinkPlacebo Group2 Interventions

Flavoured water. Participants will consume this beverage twice: 30 minutes prior to the exercise workout (t = -60 min) and immediately following the completion of the exercise protocol (t = 0 min).