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Ketone Supplements Worsen Performance in Trained Endurance Athletes, Researchers Find

Ketone supplements have become increasingly popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts in recent years. These supplements are marketed as a way to enhance endurance and improve performance by providing the body with an alternative source of fuel. However, a new study has found that ketone supplements may actually have the opposite effect on trained endurance athletes.

The Study

The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Bath, involved 16 trained endurance athletes who were given either a ketone supplement or a placebo before completing a cycling time trial. The participants were instructed to consume the supplement or placebo 30 minutes before the time trial.

The results of the study showed that the athletes who consumed the ketone supplement had a significantly slower time trial performance compared to those who consumed the placebo. The researchers also found that the ketone supplement did not improve any of the physiological markers associated with endurance performance.

What Are Ketone Supplements?

Ketone supplements are typically made from beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which is a type of ketone body that is produced when the body is in a state of ketosis. Ketosis occurs when the body is deprived of carbohydrates and begins to burn fat for fuel instead.

Ketone supplements are marketed as a way to provide the body with an alternative source of fuel during exercise, which can help to enhance endurance and improve performance. However, this new study suggests that these claims may be unfounded.

Why Do Ketone Supplements Worsen Performance?

The researchers believe that ketone supplements may worsen performance in trained endurance athletes because they interfere with the body's ability to use carbohydrates as fuel. Carbohydrates are the primary source of fuel for high-intensity exercise, and when they are not available, the body must rely on other sources such as fat and protein.

Ketone supplements may interfere with the body's ability to use carbohydrates by inhibiting the uptake of glucose by the muscles. This can lead to a decrease in performance, as the muscles are not able to produce energy as efficiently.

Should You Avoid Ketone Supplements?

Based on the findings of this study, it may be best for trained endurance athletes to avoid ketone supplements. While these supplements may be beneficial for individuals who are following a ketogenic diet or who are not engaging in high-intensity exercise, they do not appear to provide any performance benefits for trained endurance athletes.

It is important to note that this study only involved a small number of participants, so further research is needed to confirm these findings. However, it is always important to approach new supplements and performance-enhancing products with caution and to consult with a healthcare professional before trying them.

Conclusion

Ketone supplements have become increasingly popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts in recent years. However, a new study has found that these supplements may actually worsen performance in trained endurance athletes. The researchers believe that this is due to the interference with the body's ability to use carbohydrates as fuel.

While further research is needed to confirm these findings, it may be best for trained endurance athletes to avoid ketone supplements. As always, it is important to approach new supplements and performance-enhancing products with caution and to consult with a healthcare professional before trying them.

FAQs

1. What are ketone supplements?

Ketone supplements are typically made from beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which is a type of ketone body that is produced when the body is in a state of ketosis.

2. What are the benefits of ketone supplements?

Ketone supplements are marketed as a way to provide the body with an alternative source of fuel during exercise, which can help to enhance endurance and improve performance.

3. Do ketone supplements work?

A new study has found that ketone supplements may actually worsen performance in trained endurance athletes. While further research is needed to confirm these findings, it may be best for trained endurance athletes to avoid ketone supplements.

4. Are there any risks associated with ketone supplements?

Ketone supplements are generally considered safe for most people. However, as with any supplement or performance-enhancing product, it is important to approach them with caution and to consult with a healthcare professional before trying them.

5. Should I try ketone supplements?

If you are a trained endurance athlete, it may be best to avoid ketone supplements based on the findings of this study. As always, it is important to approach new supplements and performance-enhancing products with caution and to consult with a healthcare professional before trying them.

This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.

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athletes (4), endurance (4), ketone (4), supplements (4), trained (3)