Could a ketone drink calm the bipolar brain?

NCT ID NCT06373016

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Stony Brook University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at how two types of energy—glucose and ketones—change brain activity and behavior in people with bipolar disorder. Participants will have MRI scans while playing money-winning games, before and after drinking either glucose or ketones. Researchers will compare results between people with bipolar disorder and healthy volunteers to understand how the brain uses energy differently.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Glucose and ketone drinks
What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal how diet-based energy sources like ketones might stabilize brain networks in bipolar disorder, pointing toward future dietary or metabolic therapies.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage observational study with only 100 participants, not a treatment trial. Results may not lead to direct clinical changes or apply to all people with bipolar disorder.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bipolar disorder bipolar I disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BIPOLAR DISORDER BIPOLAR DISORDER TYPE 1

Contacts and locations

Locations

Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology , Stony Brook University
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Stony Brook, New York, 11794, United States
Martinos Center for Biomedical Research, Building 149, 13th Street
RECRUITING

Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, United States
McLean Hospital
RECRUITING

Belmont, Massachusetts, 02478, United States

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