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A Ketone Ester Drink Increases Postexercise Muscle Glycogen Synthesis in Humans.
David A Holdsworth1, Peter J Cox, Tom Kirk
11Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UNITED KINGDOM; and 2Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moore's University, Liverpool, UNITED KINGDOM.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|April 12, 2017
Summary
A ketone ester drink, combined with glucose, significantly boosted muscle glycogen synthesis in athletes. This dietary strategy enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake, improving post-exercise recovery and endurance potential.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Metabolic Regulation
Background:
- Muscle glycogen depletion limits physical endurance.
- Ketone bodies, like D-β-hydroxybutyrate, are synthesized during carbohydrate restriction.
- In animals, D-β-hydroxybutyrate aids insulin secretion and glycogen synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if a dietary ketone ester enhances postexercise muscle glycogen synthesis in humans.
- To determine the effects of a ketone ester and glucose combination on recovery.
Main Methods:
- 12 well-trained male athletes underwent a glycogen-depleting exercise protocol.
- A randomized, blinded crossover study compared a ketone monoester drink versus a control drink.
- Post-exercise recovery involved a 2-hour glucose clamp or saline infusion.
Main Results:
- Ketone ester intake elevated blood D-β-hydroxybutyrate levels significantly.
- Insulin levels and glucose uptake were markedly higher with the ketone ester.
- Muscle glycogen content increased by 50% following the ketone ester intervention.
Conclusions:
- Dietary ketone esters, with glucose, augment insulin secretion and glucose uptake.
- This combination effectively enhances muscle glycogen synthesis post-exercise.
- Ketone esters represent a promising strategy for improving athletic recovery.