Overview
The study will examine the effect of exogenous ketone ester on behavior and metabolism using Virtual Reality and computerizes behavioral tasks.
Description
This study investigates the effects of exogenous ketone ester on behavior, cognition, and metabolism over one week of consumption. Using a within-subjects, randomized, crossover design, participants will undergo two phases: one with the ketone ester supplement and one with a calorie- and taste-matched placebo. The study includes four lab visits: visits 1 and 3 mark the first day of each intervention, while visits 2 and 4 mark the last day. During each visit, participants will complete behavioral tasks, questionnaires, and blood tests. Additionally, participants will record their food intake via an app and collect stool samples throughout the intervention.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Consent to participate
- Fluent in German
- Physically healthy. No regular medication
- No drug use 1 week prior to the study
- BMI 18-31 kg/m2
Exclusion Criteria:
- Former or current illnesses of:
- Brain or mind (including eating disorders, personality disorders, alcohol, drugs or drug dependence, neurological disorders other than occasional headache; depression or anxiety disorder excluded)
- Heart or blood circulation
- Gastro-intestinal or endocrine disorders
- Liver or kidney disorders
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Other serious past or present medical conditions (for example, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cancer)
- Pregnancy
- Extreme athletes (>2h/day intense work-out; casual cycling or walking is ok)
- Menopause (post menopause is ok)
- Ketogenic diet, ketogenic supplement intake, intermittent fasting or calorie restricted diet during preceding 4 weeks of study participation
- Fear of blood draw