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Study on Ketone Monoester and Cognitive Function

This study is looking at how a dietary supplement called Ketone Monoester (KE) affects thinking skills. Researchers want to see if KE can improve memory, attention, and how fast your brain processes information. You could be eligible if you are between 19 and 55 years old, and are in one of three groups: obese and not very active, lean and not very active, or lean and very active (like an athlete). The study will compare KE to a placebo (an inactive substance) to see if KE makes a difference. The main goal is to measure changes in your cognitive (thinking) abilities.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 45 participants. You will receive either Ketone Monoester or a placebo in a random order.
What's involved
You will have two test days, separated by 3-7 days. On each test day, you will arrive fasted and consume a single dose of either Ketone Monoester or placebo. Thirty minutes later, you will complete cognitive assessments.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Cognitive assessments are measured on Test Day 1 and Test Day 2.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07051655

The Effects of Exogenous Ketones on Cognitive Function

Recruiting
NAAges 19–55InterventionalTreatment
University of Alabama at Birmingham
~45 participants
Updated 2026-07-13 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Ketone Monoester (KE)Placebo

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery Composite Score and Domain-Specific Subtests - Executive function
Measured over Test Day 1 and Test Day 2
+3 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Placebo - Control
Ketone Monoester

Explore related trials

HealthyObesity

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Alabama1

Who to contact

Sarah K Sweatt, PhD
[email protected]
205-975-5398
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age 19-55 years
BMI 30-40 (obese group) or 18-25 (lean and athlete groups)
Sedentary status (\<2 hrs/week of structured physical activity) for obese and lean groups
Active athlete status (≥5 days/week of structured activity) for athlete group

Exclusion

Diagnosed neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, muscular dystrophy, stroke, cerebral palsy)
History of seizures
Use of medications for diabetes, mood disorders, or attention disorders
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Current or recent use (within 1 month) of exogenous ketone supplements or adherence to a ketogenic diet

What this trial measures

  • NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery Composite Score and Domain-Specific Subtests - Executive functionTest Day 1 and Test Day 2

    Cognitive function will be assessed using the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery, administered on an iPad. \- Dimensional Change Card Sort Test - Measures executive function and cognitive flexibility by assessing the ability to switch between mental rules.

  • NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery Composite Score and Domain-Specific Subtests - AttentionTest Day 1 and Test Day 2

    Cognitive function will be assessed using the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery, administered on an iPad. \- Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test - Evaluates attention and the ability to inhibit responses to distracting information.

  • NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery Composite Score and Domain-Specific Subtests - Processing SpeedTest Day 1 and Test Day 2

    Cognitive function will be assessed using the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery, administered on an iPad. \- Oral Symbol Digit Substitution Test - Assesses processing speed by requiring participants to match symbols and digits under time pressure.

  • NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery Composite Score and Domain-Specific Subtests - MemoryTest Day 1 and Test Day 2

    Cognitive function will be assessed using the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery, administered on an iPad. \- Picture Sequence Memory Test - Tests episodic memory by having participants recall sequences of illustrated scenes in the correct order.