NCT07010666

BHB and Cognition During Exercise-Heat Stress

Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Ingestion and Cognition During Exercise-Heat Stress

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 18 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of South Carolina · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The study investigates how consuming a ketone ester (BHB) along with caffeine impacts cognitive performance under heat stress, similar to what military personnel experience in hot environments. The extreme heat can impair brain function, affecting decision-making and performance, which is critical for Special Operations Forces (SOF). BHB provides an alternative energy source for the brain, potentially improving brain blood flow and cognition, particularly during "stressful" situations. By comparing ketone and carbohydrate intake with caffeine, this study aims to find better ways to maintain mental sharpness during stressful conditions. The results could help enhance the safety and effectiveness of military operations.

Detailed description

This study aims to examine the effects of ingestion of 25g of BHB ketone ester and 4 mg/kg of caffeine on cognitive performance during exercise-heat induced hyperthermia when compared to carbohydrate combined with the same dosage of caffeine. This will be the first study to investigate the effects of ketone ester ingestion on cognition during exercise-heat induced hyperthermia in endurance-trained adults. Further, this study has the potential to impact the safety and mission success of SOF by improving cognitive performance when making critical decisions in a physiologically compromised state.

Conditions

• Healthy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Beta-Hydroxybutyrate	25 grams of BHB
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Carbohydrate	25 grams of carbohydrate
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Caffeine	4 mg/kg of caffeine

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-01-29
• Primary completion: 2025-05-12
• Completion: 2025-05-12
• First posted: 2025-06-08
• Last updated: 2025-06-08

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States