This article looks at the effects of a ketone supplement on 5km run times
What’s the deal?
Ketone supplements are thought to induce ketosis and improve sports performance if taken prior to activity. Would ingestion of a ketone supplement 1 hour before running improve a 5 km time trial?
What did they do?
10 participants ran 5 km on a motorised treadmill on two occasions, with a week recovery in between. In one trial, they ingested a ketone supplement drink one hour before running and on the other they ingested a taste-matched placebo control drink. The time to complete 5 km was recorded.
What happened?
Overall, there was no “statistical” difference between average 5 km times with ketone supplements (23 minutes 50 seconds) vs. placebo (24 minutes 48 seconds). However, it is important to note that 8 out of the 10 participants saw improved 5 km run times with ketone supplementation.
What can you tell me about the people?
Participants were all male, average age of 21, recreationally active runners, with average BMI of 22.4.
What else should I know?
The ketone supplement is commercially available (KETO//OS® PRO™ + MCT Orange Dream) and participants took 300 mg for every 1 kg of body weight (roughly 21 g if you weigh 70 kg) dissolved in water.
What will I do differently?
Together, the participants managed to shave about 60 seconds off their 5 km running time after ketone supplementation. This might be worth a try for me!
This research was published in March 2020 by PJ Prins and colleagues from the Department of Exercise Science, Grove City College, Grove City, PA, USA.
This article highlights our personal take on their research. Check it out here and see what you think!
Abstract Athlete 