Blood and cardiovascular health parameters after supplementing with ketone salts for six weeks

Abstract

Background:  Exogenous ketone salts (KS) have been administered as treatment for various health conditions; however, the safety of chronic supplementation in a healthy population has yet to be explored. Aim:  This study examined the safety of KS supplementation for 6 weeks in healthy, young adults and determined the effects of KS on blood ketone levels. Setting:  Data collection occurred in a laboratory at Augusta University. Methods:  Twenty-three men and women (aged 18–35 years old) supplemented with KS or a placebo (PLA) twice per day for 6 weeks in a randomised, double-blinded, PLA-controlled design. Baseline and post-intervention measures included body mass index (BMI), resting blood pressure and heart rate, questionnaires assessing mood and energy, urinalysis, and venous blood measures, including comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), lipid panel, and complete blood count (CBC). In addition, the participants consumed the assigned supplement during the baseline and post-intervention visits; blood ketone levels were assessed immediately before and after 30 and 60 min post-supplementation. Results:  Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower ( p  < 0.05) after supplementing with KS for 6 weeks but not PLA. All other health parameters remained unchanged by KS supplementation, including BMI, resting heart rate, urinalysis, CMP, lipid panel, and CBC. After acute administration of KS but not PLA, blood ketone levels were significantly elevated ( p  < 0.001) 30 and 60 min after supplementation at both baseline and post-intervention visits. Conclusion:  Chronic KS supplementation seems safe, significantly elevates blood ketone levels 30 and 60 min after supplementation and may lower blood pressure. Future explorations should determine the success of KS supplementation as a strategy to combat hypertension.