Ketone supplements, which some athletes use to boost their performance, can actually worsen it.

The study examined contradictory results of studies relating to the efficacy and popularity of ketone supplements among athletes seeking a competitive edge.

Some studies have shown that ketone supplements can improve performance. Other studies, however, have shown that they are ineffective or even have a negative effect on performance.

Natural ketones are a great fuel for the brain and muscles. The body will produce more organic ketones when you follow a low-carb and high-fat diet. Ketone supplements can accelerate this process without the strict diet.

Ketones are believed to have a number of benefits, including the ability to act as an alternative fuel source during exercise or change the use of carbs and fats as primary fuel sources. This could enhance endurance. The study results show that this is not the case.

The study recruited well-trained endurance cyclists who cycled at least 5 hours per week. The athletes were chosen for their consistently high athletic performance.

The experiment took place in a lab, but the race conditions were simulated. Participants prepared themselves as they would normally for a cycling competition.

The only difference between the two trials was the beverage that each individual received before completing the 20-minute trial. This closely predicted the performance in a 40-kilometer race. The drinks contained either a ketone or placebo supplement that tasted the same.

The study was double-blind, meaning neither the athletes or the researchers knew if the supplement was the ketone or a placebo.

The primary observation of the study was that cyclists were unable to maintain the same speed throughout the test after taking the ketone supplements compared to those who took the placebo.

Researchers say that the results are in line with earlier research which found an increase in cardiorespiratory strain during exercise when taking ketone supplement.