Ketone supplements may be a new therapy to promote brain function in obese patients

It is well known that obese people are at higher risk of cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases
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The new study found that in obese adults, supplementing with ketones three times a day for 14 days can increase blood flow to the brain and improve cognitive functions such as working memory and processing speed
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Supplements that specifically contain ketone body-hydroxybutyrate (B-OHB) are safe for human consumption.
This is a relatively new supplement, mainly for research on physical performance (in sports and military environments)
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Previous studies have shown that ketone supplements are beneficial to the elderly with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia
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In this study, the researchers extended these findings to prove that ketone supplements may be a new treatment strategy that can protect and improve the brain health of obese people at risk of neurocognitive impairment
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Obese adult volunteers took ketone supplements or placebo supplements with matching taste three times a day, 15 minutes before each meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
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This study is called a randomized placebo-controlled crossover study-in other words, participants are randomly assigned to take supplements or placebo during the first 14 days, and then switch to another situation during the other 14 days
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During the 14-day intervention, the researchers provided all the food and snacks to the participants
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They use an app on the iPad to measure cognitive function through validated tests, and measure cerebral blood flow through duplex ultrasound of the so-called extracranial (carotid) artery
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They also collected blood samples to measure hormones, which are like fertilizers for the brain, helping neurons grow and improve cognitive function
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Dr.
Jeremy Walsh, the first author of the study, said: "Once it is validated in more people, we hope that these supplements can be used to protect and improve the brain health of obese people
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The research was conducted at the Okanagan campus of the University of British Columbia and was funded by grants from the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation
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Journal Reference :

1. Jeremy J.