Ketone concentration vs. oxidation rate.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of blood ketone concentration on its oxidation rate in exercise.
IRAS ID
164946
Contact name
Peter Cox
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
T delta S Ltd
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study will recruit highly trained (n=10) and recreational (n=10) athletes. The study aims to investigate if increasing the level of ketone bodies in the blood results in an increase in their use (oxidation) by the body during exercise. This may demonstrate if there is a 'maximum rate' of ketone use. Ketones will be raised using a ketone ester drink. We will compare the results between the 2 recruited cohorts: recreational and highly trained athletes.
Healthy people release ketone bodies into their blood after prolonged fasting. They are used by the brain and skeletal muscle as a fuel. The man-made ketone drink used in this study increases ketone bodies to a level comparable with weeks of fasting, without the need to deplete energy reserves.
The study has three ‘arms’ - A, B and C. Participants will complete each arm of the trial. In each arm participants will consume a ketone containing drink before undertaking a standardised 60-minute exercise test. The ketone will be isotopically labeled so its metabolic fate can be followed (breath/urine). The exercise test consists of three, 20-minute intervals at 25%, 50% and 75% Wmax respectively. The concentration of ketone in the drink differs between arms of the study. In arm A the ketone concentration will be such that the participants achieve a blood ketone level of 2mM; in arm B, 5mM and in arm C, 7.5mM.
Multiple blood, expired gas and urine samples will be taken to measure the changing levels of metabolites and the appearance of carbon dioxide. Participants may opt to have muscle biopsies before and after each exercise test, which will provide a detailed picture of the changing metabolic state in the muscle cells.
The data obtained from all participants will be pooled to illustrate the trends in the three conditions.
REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SC/0542
Date of REC Opinion
4 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion