Targeting Aging With a Ketone Ester for Function in Frailty

This study is looking at whether a dietary supplement called Ketone ester (KE) can help improve strength and overall well-being in adults aged 65 and older who are experiencing some decline in their physical function. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Ketone ester or a placebo (non-ketogenic canola oil) daily for 20 weeks. The main goal is to see if Ketone ester can improve a person's overall frailty score. To join, you must be at least 65 years old, pass a walking speed test, and weigh at least 50 kg. The study is currently unclear about its recruitment status and plans to enroll 180 people.

Study design
This is an interventional study with 180 planned participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Ketone ester or a placebo.
What's involved
You will have a screening visit and 4 additional study visits over 20 weeks. You will take a supplement daily at home and provide blood samples at all study visits.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your frailty composite score will be measured at baseline, 12 weeks, and 20 weeks.

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NCT06645847

Targeting Aging With a Ketone Ester for Function in Frailty

Recruiting
NAAges 65+InterventionalBasic science
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
~180 participants
Updated 2026-09-09 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Ketone esterPlacebo Comparator: Non-ketone placebo

At a glance

Recruiting sites
3 of 3 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Frailty composite score
Measured over Baseline, 12 weeks, 20 weeks
Frail Elderly
Aging
Immune Function
Muscle Function

NCT06645847

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 3 sites. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Buck Institute for Research on Aging

    Novato, Californiastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • Ohio State University

    Columbus, Ohiostudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • UConn Health

    Farmington, Connecticutstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • John Newman, MD, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Buck Institute
  • Jeff Volek, Phd · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Ohio State University
  • Jenna Bartley, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Connecticut

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  • Frailty composite scoreBaseline, 12 weeks, 20 weeks

    The primary outcome measure is the difference in the change in a four-item composite score of vigor-frailty (6 minute walk, 1 rep max leg press, digit symbol substitution, Pittsburg Fatigability Scale - Physical sub scale) over 20 weeks between groups. The original composite score was developed by the Study of Muscle Mass and Aging Group, it is continuous, and a higher score corresponds to better function.