Feb 1, 2025

Feb 1, 2025

Feb 1, 2025

Effects of a Ketone/Caffeine Supplement on Cycling and Cognitive Performance

This Ohio State University study explored whether a ketone-salt and caffeine supplement could enhance exercise and cognitive performance in healthy, non-keto-adapted adults. Twelve recreationally trained participants consumed either the supplement or water before cycling to exhaustion. The supplement raised ketone levels over twofold and significantly increased time to exhaustion by 8.3% and Wingate average power by 4.3%. No significant cognitive benefits were observed. The supplement was well tolerated, with no adverse GI events. These findings support the ergogenic use of ketone salts with caffeine for boosting high-intensity exercise performance.

This Ohio State University study explored whether a ketone-salt and caffeine supplement could enhance exercise and cognitive performance in healthy, non-keto-adapted adults. Twelve recreationally trained participants consumed either the supplement or water before cycling to exhaustion. The supplement raised ketone levels over twofold and significantly increased time to exhaustion by 8.3% and Wingate average power by 4.3%. No significant cognitive benefits were observed. The supplement was well tolerated, with no adverse GI events. These findings support the ergogenic use of ketone salts with caffeine for boosting high-intensity exercise performance.

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Effects of a Ketone/Caffeine Supplement on Cycling and Cognitive Performance

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Stephen C. Cunnane

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, et al.

, et al.

Author

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of an exogenous ketone-salt and caffeine supplement on cycling endurance and post-exercise cognitive function in non-keto-adapted individuals.

Methods

Twelve recreationally active adults participated in a randomized, crossover study. Each consumed either a ketone-salt (12g BHB) and caffeine (120mg) supplement or water, 15 minutes before performing a graded cycling test to exhaustion, followed by a 30-second Wingate test. Cognitive performance was measured via the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) at baseline and during 60 minutes of recovery.

Results

  • Blood ketones increased >2x post-supplementation, peaking at 15 minutes.

  • Time to exhaustion improved by 8.3% (approx. 93 seconds).

  • Wingate average power improved by 4.3%.

  • No difference in peak power, cognitive scores, or blood glucose.

  • Lower perceived exertion noted with the supplement.

  • Supplement well tolerated with no increase in GI distress.

Conclusion

Acute supplementation with ketone salts and caffeine enhances endurance and power output during high-intensity cycling without affecting cognition. It’s a promising ergogenic aid for athletes not adapted to ketogenic diets. Future work should refine dosing and explore muscle versus brain ketone utilization.

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Jun 18, 2021

Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Increases Motivation in Healthy Volunteers: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Human Study
This study from RIKEN and Hiroshima University assessed the effects of alpha-GPC on motivation in healthy adults using the KOKORO scale, a smartphone-based tool for emotional tracking. In a two-week intervention, participants who took 400 mg of alpha-GPC daily showed significantly increased motivation at night versus placebo. No changes in anxiety were detected, and no side effects were reported. These findings suggest alpha-GPC can acutely elevate motivation, potentially through its modulation of dopamine pathways.

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Acute Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Supplementation Enhances Cognitive Performance in Healthy Men
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of alpha-GPC on cognitive performance in healthy young men. After acute supplementation with 200 mg or 400 mg of alpha-GPC, significant improvements in reaction time and accuracy on cognitive tasks were observed compared to placebo. Notably, 400 mg of alpha-GPC led to faster reaction times and greater correct responses in visual memory and go/no-go tasks. These results suggest alpha-GPC can acutely enhance cognitive processing speed and accuracy, making it a promising supplement for mental performance enhancement.

Jun 18, 2021

Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Increases Motivation in Healthy Volunteers: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Human Study
This study from RIKEN and Hiroshima University assessed the effects of alpha-GPC on motivation in healthy adults using the KOKORO scale, a smartphone-based tool for emotional tracking. In a two-week intervention, participants who took 400 mg of alpha-GPC daily showed significantly increased motivation at night versus placebo. No changes in anxiety were detected, and no side effects were reported. These findings suggest alpha-GPC can acutely elevate motivation, potentially through its modulation of dopamine pathways.

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Acute Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Supplementation Enhances Cognitive Performance in Healthy Men
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of alpha-GPC on cognitive performance in healthy young men. After acute supplementation with 200 mg or 400 mg of alpha-GPC, significant improvements in reaction time and accuracy on cognitive tasks were observed compared to placebo. Notably, 400 mg of alpha-GPC led to faster reaction times and greater correct responses in visual memory and go/no-go tasks. These results suggest alpha-GPC can acutely enhance cognitive processing speed and accuracy, making it a promising supplement for mental performance enhancement.

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Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Increases Motivation in Healthy Volunteers: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Human Study
This study from RIKEN and Hiroshima University assessed the effects of alpha-GPC on motivation in healthy adults using the KOKORO scale, a smartphone-based tool for emotional tracking. In a two-week intervention, participants who took 400 mg of alpha-GPC daily showed significantly increased motivation at night versus placebo. No changes in anxiety were detected, and no side effects were reported. These findings suggest alpha-GPC can acutely elevate motivation, potentially through its modulation of dopamine pathways.

Jan 1, 2015

Acute Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Supplementation Enhances Cognitive Performance in Healthy Men
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of alpha-GPC on cognitive performance in healthy young men. After acute supplementation with 200 mg or 400 mg of alpha-GPC, significant improvements in reaction time and accuracy on cognitive tasks were observed compared to placebo. Notably, 400 mg of alpha-GPC led to faster reaction times and greater correct responses in visual memory and go/no-go tasks. These results suggest alpha-GPC can acutely enhance cognitive processing speed and accuracy, making it a promising supplement for mental performance enhancement.
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