NCT07082309 The Effect of Ketone Monoesters on Skeletal Muscle Protein Synthesis and Whole-body Protein Metabolism.
| NCT ID | NCT07082309 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | University of Exeter |
| Condition | Healthy Participants |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 12 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-06-04 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-07 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 12 participants in total. It began in 2025-06-04 with a primary completion date of 2026-07.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The ketone β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is endogenously produced during periods of low glucose availability, serving as an alternative metabolic fuel. Beyond its role as an energy substrate, BHB acts as a pleiotropic signalling molecule, modulating various physiological processes across multiple tissues. BHB can also be ingested orally as a ketone monoester, transiently elevating plasma concentrations of BHB to a level similar to those seen following several days of fasting, thereby obviating the need for dietary manipulation. The influence of BHB on human skeletal muscle protein metabolism remains poorly understood, although emerging evidence suggests that BHB may play a role in regulating muscle protein turnover. As such, BHB supplementation may support skeletal muscle remodelling and offer therapeutic benefits, and investigating this is of considerable interest. This study will investigate the ability of oral BHB ingestion - co-ingested with protein - to stimulate skeletal muscle anabolism in young healthy adults. A dual amino acid stable isotope tracer approach will be utilised to determine postprandial (i.e., fed state) muscle protein synthesis (MPS) rates and whole-body amino acid kinetics, given BHBs systemic effects. This research will advance our understanding of the fundamental biology of exogenous ketosis and provide insight into the potential of BHB supplementation as a novel nutritional strategy to optimise muscle mass and quality.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: • BMI 18-30 Exclusion Criteria: * Body mass index (BMI) \< 18.5 or \> 30 kg/m2 * Age \< 18 or \> 40 * Regularly smokes * Type 2 diabetes * Cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease and hypertension (≥ 140/90 mmHg) * Gastrointestinal disorders * Use medicines that may impact protein metabolism or that are anti-inflammatory (determined at the screening) * Pregnancy
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07082309 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 40 Years, studying Healthy Participants. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07082309 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07082309 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at a.monteyne2@exeter.ac.uk for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07082309 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Exeter, United Kingdom.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07082309 clinical trial?
NCT07082309 is sponsored by University of Exeter. The trial plans to enroll 12 participants.