Ketone supplements vs. alcohol: what happens inside your brain?

NCT ID NCT06815237

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at how a single dose of a ketone supplement or an alcoholic drink changes brain metabolism compared to no drink. Sixty healthy adults who drink occasionally will have three MRI scans after each condition. The goal is to measure brain chemicals like NAD, glutamate, and GABA, not to treat any disease.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Ketone supplement (D-Beta-hydroxybutyric acid and R-1,3 butanediol) and alcohol beverage
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help scientists understand how ketones and alcohol change brain chemistry, possibly guiding future research on brain health.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study with only 60 participants, looking at short-term effects. Results may not apply to long-term use or to people with health conditions.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alcohol Drinking Ketosis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALCOHOL DRINKING KETOSIS MRI

Contacts and locations

Locations

Center for Studies of Addiction
RECRUITING

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

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