Brain fuel: ketosis and exercise may sharpen thinking, study hints
NCT ID NCT07218497
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether combining a ketosis-inducing drink with treadmill exercise can increase a brain protein called BDNF and improve thinking skills. Fifty healthy adults aged 18-35 will be given either the drink or a placebo, then exercise and take cognitive tests. The researchers also want to see if people with a specific gene variant respond differently.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
d-beta-hydroxybutrate (ketosis supplement)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward personalized strategies to boost brain health through diet and exercise based on genetics.
What could go wrong
This is a small early-phase study in healthy young adults, so results may not apply to older or unhealthy populations. The intervention is short-term and may not show lasting effects.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
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.
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.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for BDNF are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Study contacts
-
Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California, 90089, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
Contact