A recent study has unveiled promising findings regarding the impact of ketone supplementation on heart health in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Conducted with 13 participants averaging 66 years of age, the study observed significant improvements in heart function after the ingestion of a ketone monoester drink. The research, centered on individuals with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 31.3, utilized thoracic impedance cardiography to measure critical parameters such as cardiac output and stroke volume. This innovative study suggests that ketone supplementation may offer notable benefits, particularly for those facing the metabolic challenges associated with type 2 diabetes.
The participants of this study rested for 30 minutes before engaging in a step-incremental cycling test. This was followed by the administration of a ketone monoester drink, which was found to enhance cardiac output, stroke volume, and peripheral muscle oxygenation. These indicators showed marked improvements both at rest and during moderate-intensity exercise. Notably, only four of the participants presented with a BMI within the healthy range, highlighting the prevalence of metabolic challenges within the group.
“People with type 2 diabetes reportedly find physical activity and exercise difficult. This is because their heart cannot use glucose, the most efficient body fuel, due to insulin resistance. In the current study, the hearts of all 13 of the participants were working more efficiently after the ketone drink at rest and during moderate intensity exercise, compared to the placebo drink. Hence, a ketone drink has the potential to be an adjunct treatment to improve cardiac function and quality of life in people with type 2 diabetes. However, larger and longer-term efficacy and safety trials are warranted.”— Study author, Dr. Maria Perissiou from the University of Portsmouth’s School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences.
The study's findings hold significant promise as they lay the groundwork for future research on ketone supplementation for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Importantly, the researchers caution that their results are applicable only within the experimental conditions of their study. Therefore, further investigation is essential to determine whether similar benefits might extend to those without type 2 diabetes.
“Individuals with type 2 diabetes present with well-documented metabolic challenges, and lower oxidative stress and inflammation benefits their condition. It is possible that similar benefits might extend to those without the condition. That said, people with diabetes could experience more pronounced improvements due to their impaired metabolic flexibility. Future studies involving non-diabetic or pre-diabetic populations will help clarify whether the benefits of exogenous ketones are universal or more condition-specific.”— Menka Gupta
Experts suggest that ketones, specifically beta-hydroxybutyrate, can enhance cardiac function by acting as a supplemental energy source alongside glucose and fatty acids. Additionally, they may provide anti-inflammatory properties and improve vascular function.
“It is thought that ketones (specifically beta-hydroxybutyrate) can improve cardiac function by serving as a supplemental energy source in addition to glucose and fatty acids. There is also thought they provide anti-inflammatory properties, as well as improve vascular function.”— Cheng-Han Chen, MD
In addition to serving as a potent energy source, exogenous ketones may produce more ATP per molecule of oxygen than glucose metabolism. This process could reduce reactive oxygen species production, thereby lowering oxidative stress and inflammation—factors crucial in protecting cardiac tissue.
“Exogenous ketones offer a highly efficient fuel source for the heart. They produce more ATP per molecule of oxygen than glucose metabolism and may reduce the production of reactive oxygen species, thereby lowering oxidative stress and inflammation. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, they could help protect cardiac tissue, which is particularly important for individuals with metabolic challenges.”— Cheng-Han Chen, MD
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