Feb 1, 2025

Feb 1, 2025

Feb 1, 2025

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

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

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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Summary of

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

By

Jay Short

Jay Short

, et al.

, et al.

View Study PDF

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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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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