New findings suggest that ketone supplements might potentially have a significant impact on alcohol consumption and cravings. A study published in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology reveals that not only did ketone supplements reduce breath and blood alcohol concentrations, but they also diminished the subjective appeal of alcohol.
Ketogenic diets have been garnering attention not only for their weight loss benefits but also for their potential therapeutic effects on various health conditions. These diets are characterized by being high in fats, moderate in proteins, and very low in carbohydrates. By drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat, the body is pushed into a metabolic state known as ketosis.
During ketosis, the body converts fat into ketones in the liver, which can provide energy for the brain. Ketones are three water-soluble molecules – acetone, acetoacetate, and beta-hydroxybutyrate – that are produced as by-products when fatty acids are broken down for energy. This metabolic process is a natural response to food scarcity, allowing the body to utilize its fat reserves as a primary energy source.
The motivation behind this recent study stems from the concerning statistics surrounding alcohol use disorder (AUD) and its widespread impact in the United States. A significant portion of the population engages in binge drinking and exhibits criteria for AUD, resulting in a host of health risks including increased reckless behaviors, cognitive decline, liver disease, and various cancers. Alcohol consumption is, therefore, a leading cause of preventable death.
Previous research has highlighted the potential of nutritional ketosis, whether induced through ketogenic diets or exogenous ketone supplements, to alleviate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and reduce alcohol craving and consumption. In this new study, researchers aimed to gain a better understanding of how consuming exogenous ketones in the form of supplements might influence physiological and subjective responses to alcohol intake.
The study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, employed a single-blinded, cross-over trial approach. This ensured that each participant served as their own control, receiving both the ketone supplement and a placebo in a randomized order across two separate visits.
Participants were meticulously selected to include healthy individuals between the ages of 21 and 50 who had consumed alcohol at least once in the prior month. Individuals with significant medical conditions, psychiatric or substance use disorders (excluding nicotine or cannabis), pregnant or lactating females, individuals over a certain weight threshold, or those with a baseline breath alcohol level above 0.00% were excluded from the study. In the end, a cohort of ten participants successfully completed the study.
On each study visit, participants arrived following an overnight fast and were provided with a standardized meal. Roughly one hour following consuming the meal, they either consumed the ketone supplement or placebo, followed by an oral dose of alcohol 30 minutes later.
The ketone drink contained ketones and the low-calorie sweetener allulose, while the placebo consisted of a non-ketogenic sweet and sour mix. The alcohol dose was adjusted to target a specific breath alcohol concentration (0.05%) based on body weight and sex, allowing for standardized alcohol exposure across participants.
The researchers observed significant reductions in both breath and blood alcohol concentrations following the consumption of the ketone supplement compared to the placebo. This indicated that the ketone supplement might attenuate the physiological presence of alcohol in the body.
In addition to the physiological effects, participants reported a decrease in alcohol liking and wanting, as well as an increased alcohol disliking following consuming the ketone supplement. These subjective responses suggested that the supplement might alter the rewarding effects of alcohol.
The study also noted changes in blood glucose and ketone levels, providing insights into the metabolic effects of the ketone supplement. Blood glucose levels were significantly lower following the intake of the supplement, while ketone levels were elevated, indicating the metabolic shift induced by the supplement.
These findings raise intriguing possibilities for the future of alcohol consumption and the potential effects of ketone supplementation. By pairing a ketone supplement with alcohol, individuals might experience reduced alcohol intoxication, making them less susceptible to the effects of alcohol. This poses compelling questions regarding whether the supplement slows down the absorption of alcohol in the stomach or increases its metabolism in the liver.
Parallel to the human study, the researchers also conducted an investigation using rodents. While the human study focused on subjective and physiological responses, the rodent study measured metrics such as blood alcohol concentration, blood glucose, and ketone levels. The results indicated that the ketone supplement significantly reduced blood alcohol concentrations compared to both the control treatment and the water treatment, further confirming the potential benefits of ketone supplementation.
It is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study, including its small sample size and the exclusion of individuals with AUD. Additionally, the taste of the ketone supplement may have influenced participants’ subjective responses to alcohol. However, these initial findings provide a stepping stone for further research and potential applications in the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
The implications of this study extend beyond the immediate benefits of reduced alcohol intoxication. It opens up possibilities for developing ketone therapy for individuals with AUD, improving brain energetics, and decreasing alcohol consumption and withdrawal in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Furthermore, it raises the intriguing perspective of ketone drinks aiding in promoting sober drinking cultures.
Looking to the future, these findings suggest that ketone supplements might play a pivotal role in reshaping current attitudes and practices surrounding alcohol consumption. Further studies involving larger sample sizes and individuals with AUD might provide valuable insights into the full potential of ketone supplementation in the treatment of alcohol-related disorders.
As we navigate our way through evolving societal norms and health concerns, innovative approaches like ketone supplementation have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of alcohol consumption. While there is still much research to be done, the future of this field holds promise for improved well-being and a more informed approach to alcohol use.
