Ketone drink may boost brain power – but dose matters

NCT ID NCT06032156

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

Summary

This study looked at whether a single dose of a ketone supplement can improve blood flow to the brain and thinking skills in young adults. Twenty healthy people aged 18-35 took either a low dose, high dose, or a placebo drink. Researchers measured brain blood flow and memory performance over two hours. The goal is to understand if ketone supplements can help the brain work better without needing to fast.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

ketone monoester supplement (R-3-hydroxybutyl R-3-hydroxybutyrate)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward using ketone supplements to boost brain blood flow and mental performance in healthy people.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early study in healthy young adults, so results may not apply to older or unhealthy populations. The effects on cognition are still uncertain.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

cognitive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • McMaster University

    Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada