Feb 1, 2025

Feb 1, 2025

Feb 1, 2025

Exogenous D-β-hydroxybutyrate Lowers Blood Glucose by Reducing L-Alanine Availability for Gluconeogenesis

Exogenous D-β-hydroxybutyrate Lowers Blood Glucose by Reducing L-Alanine Availability for Gluconeogenesis

Exogenous D-β-hydroxybutyrate Lowers Blood Glucose by Reducing L-Alanine Availability for Gluconeogenesis

This study reveals a novel mechanism by which exogenous ketones lower blood glucose: by reducing the availability of the amino acid L-alanine, a key substrate for gluconeogenesis. In a randomized crossover trial, healthy volunteers consumed a ketone ester drink with or without L-alanine. Ketosis significantly reduced glucose levels, but this effect was blunted when L-alanine was supplemented. The findings suggest that ketone-induced reductions in L-alanine limit the liver’s ability to produce glucose, offering a compelling metabolic explanation for ketones' glucose-lowering effects and reinforcing their therapeutic potential in type 2 diabetes.

This study reveals a novel mechanism by which exogenous ketones lower blood glucose: by reducing the availability of the amino acid L-alanine, a key substrate for gluconeogenesis. In a randomized crossover trial, healthy volunteers consumed a ketone ester drink with or without L-alanine. Ketosis significantly reduced glucose levels, but this effect was blunted when L-alanine was supplemented. The findings suggest that ketone-induced reductions in L-alanine limit the liver’s ability to produce glucose, offering a compelling metabolic explanation for ketones' glucose-lowering effects and reinforcing their therapeutic potential in type 2 diabetes.

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Summary of

Exogenous D-β-hydroxybutyrate Lowers Blood Glucose by Reducing L-Alanine Availability for Gluconeogenesis

By

Adrian Soto-Mota

Adrian Soto-Mota

, et al.

, et al.

View Study PDF

Purpose

To determine whether exogenous D-β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) lowers blood glucose by reducing plasma L-alanine, a key gluconeogenic substrate.

Methods

In a randomized crossover trial, healthy adult participants consumed a ketone monoester drink (ΔG®) either alone or with added L-alanine. Plasma levels of BHB, glucose, and amino acids were measured over time to assess metabolic effects.

Results

BHB ingestion significantly increased plasma BHB levels and reduced both blood glucose and plasma L-alanine concentrations. When L-alanine was co-administered with BHB, the glucose-lowering effect was attenuated, suggesting that BHB limits gluconeogenesis in part by depleting substrate availability.

Conclusion

Exogenous BHB lowers blood glucose by reducing plasma L-alanine, thereby limiting hepatic gluconeogenesis. This mechanism may underlie ketones’ therapeutic potential in managing blood sugar without triggering hypoglycemia or requiring insulin.

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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.

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Efficacy of Standardized Extract of Bacopa monnieri (Bacognize) on Cognitive Functions of Medical Students: A Six-Week, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
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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.

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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If you want to restore your metabolic health, defeat that midday slump or achieve your personal best, Tecton Ketones is launching a range of specifically formulated products to help reach your goals.

If you want to restore your metabolic health, defeat that midday slump or achieve your personal best, Tecton Ketones is launching a range of specifically formulated products to help reach your goals.

If you want to restore your metabolic health, defeat that midday slump or achieve your personal best, Tecton Ketones is launching a range of specifically formulated products to help reach your goals.