What is Exogenous Ketones Supplement?

Introduction

As ketogenic diet became a popular diet because of its benefits, more companies have come up with different supplements which helps boost the effect and makes it more attainable.One of the most popular and best-known of these is the exogenous ketone supplement, which claims to boost the effects of a keto diet and even give you some of the benefits of keto without restricting carbs.

How does exogenous ketones supplement works

From the name itself exogenous supplement allows you to produce ketones from within. This is typically a good way to keep you on a ketogenic state despite putting a none keto friendly food on your mouth. The word exogenous means created externally, and these supplements are forms of the ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which your body normally creates on its own. We need to keep in mind though that this supplement is use together with keeping the diet in place.

Two kinds of exogenous ketone supplements

Ketone Esters

Ketone esters consist of a ketone body combined with a ketone precursor. There are a small number of these available on the market to consumers and there appears to be more robust science in support of their benefits.

However, we will not be commenting on ketone esters since there are big differences between them and ketone salts, and the ketone salts are the ones that have been heavily commercialized and marketed to the public over recent years. Ketone esters may be more difficult to market due to their having an unpleasant taste. We may look more deeply into the esters in the future.

Ketone Salts

Ketone salts consist of a ketone body combined to a mineral ion, often sodium. There are different types of ketone body, but ketone salts use beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB).There are a large number of companies selling this form of exogenous ketone, and this is where we are seeing the big marketing strategies and broad claims about benefits. From now on, when we discuss ketone supplements or exogenous ketones in this article, we’ll be referring to ketone salts.

Exogenous Ketones Supplement Claimed Benefits

Increased fat burning/ accelerated weight loss
Maximized cognition/ improved focus
Increased energy
Better mood
Improvement in athletic performance
Appetite suppression
Help getting back into ketosis after consuming carbs
Decreased inflammation
Better sleep

Downsides of exogenous ketone diet

As we have mentioned the claimed benefits let us also take note of a few claimed downsides:

Sets you back to 100 or less calories
Pricey
Can cause stomach distress
Can cause high blood pressure due to sodium

Conclusion

Exogenous ketone supplement is very helpful for people who are doing keto for a while now. This is not a quick fix for those who wants results fast. Exogenous ketones supplement is a good support for those following keto diet dutifully. In all diets there is still a need to put more effort and consistency to get the best results.