Could a ketone drink curb alcohol cravings? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT04616781
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a single dose of a ketone ester drink can reduce alcohol cravings and consumption in people with alcohol use disorder. Twenty non-treatment-seeking participants will receive either the ketone drink or a placebo on two separate days, then undergo brain scans and an alcohol-drinking task. The goal is to see if the ketone drink changes brain activity and drinking behavior.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
ketone ester drink (R)-3-hydroxybutyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new way to help people with alcohol use disorder reduce their drinking and cravings.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage trial with only 20 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect is tested after a single dose, so long-term benefits are unknown.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Pennsylvania Center for Studies of Addiction
RECRUITINGPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
Contact
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••