Characterizing the physiologic effects of exogenous ketone supplements – an alternative or adjuvant to the ketogenic diet

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high fat, adequate protein, low carbohydrate diet that is used clinically for refractory pediatric epilepsy, and is under investigation as a treatment for a wide variety of disorders, including many neurological diseases, cancer, obesity, and diabetes. Studies suggest that many of the beneficial effects associated with the KD are mechanistically attributable to the ketone bodies, leading our lab and others to develop and test exogenous ketone supplements (KS). KS elevate blood ketones without the need for dietary restriction of carbohydrate. In order to further our understanding of this new technology, we sought to characterize the metabolic effects, safety, and toxicity of KS in healthy rats. KS tested include the R,S-1,3-butanediol acetoacetate diester, 1,3-butanediol, medium chain triglyceride oil, caprylic acid, and beta-hydroxybutyrate mineral salts, alone and in various combinations. Healthy rats were administered KS by oral gavage or in their food in an acute (once, or ...