The Study: Testing Ketone-IQ for Performance

A recent study set out to answer two key questions:

1. Can Ketone-IQ effectively elevate blood ketones?
2. Does Ketone-IQ improve aerobic and anaerobic performance?

This study tested Ketone-IQ in combination with carbohydrates, a novel approach that improve fueling strategies for athletes.

For decades, carbohydrates have been the gold standard for athletes looking to boost performance. But what if there’s a better, more efficient way to fuel your workouts? Enter ketones—a powerful alternative energy source that’s shaking up the world of sports nutrition.

The Carb-Centric World of Sports Nutrition

Since the 1960s, carbs have been the go-to fuel for athletes. Research showed that muscle glycogen (stored carbs) is essential for maintaining high-intensity performance. When glycogen runs low, fatigue sets in. This led to widespread recommendations for athletes to consume 3–12 grams of carbs per kilogram of body weight, depending on their sport.

But while carbs are effective, they’re not the only option. Ketogenic diets—a low-carb, high-fat approach—shift the body’s primary fuel source from glucose to ketones, offering a new way to power through workouts.

Ketogenic Diets: Not Just a Fad

Ketogenic diets are often dismissed as trendy or unsustainable, but their roots in sports science run deep. Early studies in the 1980s showed that athletes on ketogenic diets could adapt to burn fat more efficiently, even at high intensities. More recently, research on elite ultra-endurance athletes revealed that those on ketogenic diets could burn fat at astonishing rates—up to 2 grams per minute—while maintaining normal glycogen levels.

The key difference between a ketogenic diet and a general low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diet is the production of ketones. Ketogenic diets elevate blood ketones (like beta-hydroxybutyrate, or BHB) above 0.5 mmol/L, a state known as nutritional ketosis. Ketones aren’t just an alternative fuel—they’re powerful molecules with anti-inflammatory, epigenetic, and metabolic benefits.

The Rise of Exogenous Ketones

While ketogenic diets are effective, they require strict carbohydrate restriction, which isn’t practical for everyone. This is where exogenous ketones come in. These supplements provide ketones without the need for dietary changes, allowing athletes to reap the benefits of ketosis while still eating carbs.

Early versions of ketone supplements, like ketone esters and salts, had mixed results. Some were hard to tolerate, while others failed to raise blood ketones to meaningful levels. But a new player has entered the scene: Ketone-IQ, a chirally pure R-1,3-butanediol supplement designed to help overcome these limitations.

How the Study Was Conducted

The study used a subject-randomized, single blinded placebo-controlled design with 12 moderately trained college-aged participants (6 males, 6 females). All participants followed a mixed diet and exercised at least 150 minutes per week, meeting ACSM guidelines.

Key Phases of the Study:

1. Familiarization Day:
   • Participants were screened for eligibility, including a VO2max test using the Bruce Protocol.
   • They practiced using the equipment, including a treadmill, cycling ergometer, and devices for measuring blood glucose and ketones.
2. Dose Exposure Day:
   • Participants arrived fasted and hydrated.
   • They consumed either Ketone-IQ (0.5g/kg body weight) or a taste-matched placebo.
   • Blood ketones (BHB) and glucose were measured at baseline, 20 minutes, and 40 minutes post-ingestion.
   • Participants then took Ketone-IQ or placebo nightly for 7 days, with adherence verified through blood monitoring.
3. Performance Day:
   • After 7 days of supplementation, participants returned fasted and hydrated.
   • They consumed Ketone-IQ or placebo (0.5g/kg body weight), followed by a standardized meal (31g carbs, 13g protein, 2.5g fat).
   • Blood ketones and glucose were measured at multiple time points before and after exercise.
   • Participants completed a 5K treadmill time trial while breath gases were analyzed to measure aerobic performance.
   • Immediately after, they performed five 10-second cycling sprints to assess anaerobic performance.
   • Fatigue index, peak power, and cadence were recorded.

Key Findings

1. Ketone Levels Skyrocketed: Ketone-IQ significantly increased blood BHB levels at all time points compared to the placebo.
2. Anaerobic Performance Improved: Those who took Ketone-IQ had higher average power and peak power outputs during the cycling sprints. They also experienced less fatigue.
3. Aerobic Performance Unchanged: While Ketone-IQ didn’t directly improve 5K run times, it still elevated ketone levels during the run, suggesting it could be a viable energy source for endurance activities.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re looking to enhance your high-intensity workouts—like sprinting, cycling, or weightlifting—this ketone supplement could be a game-changer. It can help give you the benefits of ketosis without the need for a restrictive diet.

The Bottom Line

This study shows that Ketone-IQ can effectively increase blood ketones and improve anaerobic performance.

So, if you’re curious about optimizing your workouts, ketone supplements might be worth exploring—just remember to consult with a healthcare professional before trying anything new.