The Impact of Ketone Monoester Intake on Post-exercise Hormonal Responses After Resistance Exerci… (NCT06683547) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
The Impact of Ketone Monoester Intake on Post-exercise Hormonal Responses After Resistance Exercise in Young Males
Canada12 participantsStarted 2025-01-06
Plain-language summary
This study investigates how orally ingested exogenous ketone monoester supplements affect circulating hormone concentrations in healthy young adult males after a single session of resistance exercise. Resistance exercise is known to stimulate an acute increase in the circulating concentration of various hormones that are involved in the regulation of muscle mass, including testosterone, growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
Recently, there has been growing interest in how nutritional supplements impact these natural hormone responses at rest. One such intervention is the oral ingestion of exogenous ketone body supplements. Ketone bodies (i.e., β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB), acetoacetate (AcAc), and acetone) are naturally occurring compounds that are normally produced by the body during prolonged fasting/starvation, or in response to a "ketogenic" diet (a diet very high in fat and very low in carbohydrates). These ketone body supplements taken in the form of a ketone monoester can quickly raise blood ketone levels without needing to change your diet.
Recent research has shown that the ingestion of exogenous ketone supplements or following a 'ketogenic diet' can alter the concentration of certain hormones measured in blood samples at rest. However, the effects of ketone monoester intake on the exercise-induced elevation in circulating hormones is yet to be explored.
Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine how elevated β-HB, induced via the ingestion of the ketone monoester (R)-3-hydroxybutyl-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate, affects blood concentrations of various anabolic hormones, during post-exercise recovery in healthy young adult males, compared to a placebo drink (flavoured water).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 40 Years
Sex
MALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Healthy adult male participants who are 18-40 years of age (inclusive).
* BMI \>18.5 and \<30.0 kg/m2
* Recreationally active (at least of 150 minutes of activity/week).
* Has maintained stable use of medication and supplements (which are not limited by the exclusion criteria), stable dietary and lifestyle habits, and stable body weight, for the last 3 months prior to screening and agree to maintain them throughout the study.
* Be willing to entirely avoid alcohol consumption 48 hours prior to the test days.
* Willing and able to agree to the requirements and restrictions of this study, be willing to give voluntary consent, be able to understand and read the questionnaires, and carry out all study-related procedures.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Individuals with metabolic disorders including: Type I or Type II diabetes.
* Individuals with a history of thrombosis / cardiovascular disease, endocrine disorders
* Individuals with knee injuries (i.e., ACL injuries).
* Individuals with a positive medical history of unstable thyroid disease (i.e., hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and hypoparathyroidism) and immune disorders.
* Individuals who have used tobacco products within the last 6 months.
* Chronic usage of medications known to modulate hormone levels (i.e. corticosteroids and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)) in the last 6 months.
* Current use of ketone supplements or adherence to a ketogenic diet.
* Formal or regular weightlifting act…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Area under the curve for testosterone concentration.
Timeframe: Baseline and over 4 hours into the post-exercise recovery period
2
Time-course data for testosterone concentration.
Timeframe: Baseline, 1 hour pre-exercise and 4-hours during the post-exercise recovery period.