Feb 1, 2025

Feb 1, 2025

Feb 1, 2025

Effects of Ketone Bodies on Brain Metabolism in Conscious Rats: Reduction in Glucose Utilization and Increase in NADH Oxidation

Effects of Ketone Bodies on Brain Metabolism in Conscious Rats: Reduction in Glucose Utilization and Increase in NADH Oxidation

Effects of Ketone Bodies on Brain Metabolism in Conscious Rats: Reduction in Glucose Utilization and Increase in NADH Oxidation

This study examined how ketone bodies affect brain energy metabolism in awake rats. Infusion of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) led to a reduction in glucose uptake and a significant increase in NADH oxidation—evidence of enhanced mitochondrial electron transport. The data suggest that ketones shift the brain’s energy substrate preference away from glucose and improve metabolic efficiency, offering insights into how ketone-based therapies might support cognition and brain health under energy-compromised conditions.

This study examined how ketone bodies affect brain energy metabolism in awake rats. Infusion of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) led to a reduction in glucose uptake and a significant increase in NADH oxidation—evidence of enhanced mitochondrial electron transport. The data suggest that ketones shift the brain’s energy substrate preference away from glucose and improve metabolic efficiency, offering insights into how ketone-based therapies might support cognition and brain health under energy-compromised conditions.

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Summary of

Effects of Ketone Bodies on Brain Metabolism in Conscious Rats: Reduction in Glucose Utilization and Increase in NADH Oxidation

By

George A. Dienel

George A. Dienel

, et al.

, et al.

View Study PDF

Purpose

To assess the effects of ketone body infusion on brain glucose metabolism and mitochondrial redox balance in conscious rats.

Methods

BHB was infused into awake, freely moving rats while cerebral glucose utilization and NADH redox states were measured using biochemical and spectrophotometric techniques. Comparisons were made against saline-infused controls.

Results

BHB infusion lowered brain glucose uptake while increasing NADH oxidation, indicating enhanced mitochondrial respiration. The findings support a substrate shift from glucose to ketones, leading to more efficient energy production in the brain without compromising function.

Conclusion

Ketones can replace glucose as a primary brain fuel while enhancing mitochondrial oxidative capacity. These shifts may contribute to the neuroprotective and cognitive benefits observed in ketone-based interventions.

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Jan 1, 2021

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.

Aug 1, 2019

Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus
Billed as a medicinal mushroom for centuries, lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is now being studied for its brain‑boosting effects. In this double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial, 34 adults over 50 were randomized to take powdered H. erinaceus capsules or placebo for 12 weeks; 31 completed the study. Cognitive function was tested at the start, halfway, and end using the Mini Mental State Examination, Benton visual retention, and paired‑associate learning tests. Those who consumed the mushroom saw significant improvement and prevented decline in Mini Mental State scores compared with placebo. No serious side effects were reported, and researchers attribute benefits to neurotrophic compounds in the mushroom.

Sep 15, 2016

Efficacy of Standardized Extract of Bacopa monnieri (Bacognize) on Cognitive Functions of Medical Students: A Six-Week, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Bacopa monnieri, or Brahmi, is an Ayurvedic herb praised for memory support. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 second-year medical students received either 150 mg standardized Bacopa extract or placebo twice daily for six weeks. Participants completed baseline cognitive tests and repeated them after treatment. Those taking Bacopa improved in working-memory and logical-memory tasks, while the placebo group showed no such gains. Blood tests revealed a rise in serum calcium and slight improvements in lipid profiles that remained within normal ranges. The findings suggest that Bacopa supplementation may boost cognitive performance even in individuals with high baseline abilities.

Jan 1, 2021

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.

Aug 1, 2019

Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus
Billed as a medicinal mushroom for centuries, lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is now being studied for its brain‑boosting effects. In this double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial, 34 adults over 50 were randomized to take powdered H. erinaceus capsules or placebo for 12 weeks; 31 completed the study. Cognitive function was tested at the start, halfway, and end using the Mini Mental State Examination, Benton visual retention, and paired‑associate learning tests. Those who consumed the mushroom saw significant improvement and prevented decline in Mini Mental State scores compared with placebo. No serious side effects were reported, and researchers attribute benefits to neurotrophic compounds in the mushroom.

Jan 1, 2021

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.

Aug 1, 2019

Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus
Billed as a medicinal mushroom for centuries, lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is now being studied for its brain‑boosting effects. In this double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial, 34 adults over 50 were randomized to take powdered H. erinaceus capsules or placebo for 12 weeks; 31 completed the study. Cognitive function was tested at the start, halfway, and end using the Mini Mental State Examination, Benton visual retention, and paired‑associate learning tests. Those who consumed the mushroom saw significant improvement and prevented decline in Mini Mental State scores compared with placebo. No serious side effects were reported, and researchers attribute benefits to neurotrophic compounds in the mushroom.
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