Ketones are brain fuel. In early hominids, ketones evolved to cross the blood-brain barrier and sustain physical and cognitive output when food sources, particularly carbohydrates, were limited; in fact, in certain scenarios, up to 80% of brain energy can come from ketones.
It should be no surprise that many people claim to feel subjective mental clarity when on the keto diet or when fasting, citing improved cognitive performance as a key reason they enjoy being in a state of ketosis.
So—what exactly do we know about ketones and the brain?
Usually, on a standard American diet, glucose is the main fuel for the brain. Ketones can replace glucose; every ~1mM of BHB (the main ketone body) increase can account for 10% of brain metabolism.
Let’s look at the studies that put the hypothetical mechanisms to the test.
Early human models (including pending publication from H.V.M.N., Oxford, and others) suggest ketones improve decision making. One study asked subjects to take a multitasking test both before and after exercise.
Animal studies also show improved decision-making.
If you’re looking for a boost, remember there are several different kinds of ketone supplements to choose from. We developed Ketone-IQ to be the world's most effective ketone delivery in terms of cost per gram of ketone, taste, and other factors. Ketone salts nor MCTs have not yet demonstrated any improvement in cognitive experiments on a healthy human population.
Disclaimer: Employees of H.V.M.N. are not medical doctors and are not offering medical advice. Consult with your physician before making diet or lifestyle changes.