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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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About 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Nov 2025
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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May 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 35 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy young adults * 18 years old to 35 years old * give informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Diabetics * history of low blood sugar * limited physical abilities unable to participate in an aerobic treadmill test
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California, 90089, United States
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