Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – A recent study published in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology has uncovered the potential impact of ketone supplements on alcohol consumption and cravings. Ketogenic diets, known for their high fat, moderate protein, and low carbohydrate content, have gained attention not only for weight loss benefits but also for potential therapeutic effects on various health conditions. These diets push the body into a state of ketosis, where it utilizes fat reserves as a primary energy source by producing ketones in the liver.
The study was motivated by alarming statistics on alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the United States, where binge drinking and AUD criteria are prevalent. Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with numerous health risks, making it a leading cause of preventable death. Previous research has shown that nutritional ketosis induced by ketogenic diets or exogenous ketone supplements can alleviate alcohol withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings and consumption.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania conducted a single-blinded, cross-over trial involving ten healthy participants between the ages of 21 and 50. The study examined the effects of ketone supplements on physiological and subjective responses to alcohol intake. Participants received both the ketone supplement and a placebo in randomized order across two separate visits, with significant reductions observed in both breath and blood alcohol concentrations following the ketone supplement intake compared to the placebo.
In addition to decreased alcohol liking and wanting reported by participants after consuming the ketone supplement, the study also noted changes in blood glucose and ketone levels, indicating metabolic shifts induced by the supplement. The findings suggest that pairing a ketone supplement with alcohol can reduce alcohol intoxication, potentially altering the rewarding effects of alcohol.
A parallel study conducted on rodents showed that ketone supplements significantly reduced blood alcohol levels compared to control treatments, highlighting the supplement’s efficacy in inducing ketosis in animals. Study limitations include a small sample size and exclusion of individuals with AUD. Future research aims to explore the effects of ketosis on alcohol-induced cognitive impairments and develop ketone therapy for individuals with AUD. Overall, the study suggests that ketone supplements could play a role in mitigating alcohol consumption and withdrawal, potentially contributing to sober drinking cultures.