Ketone Supplementation in Eating Disorders

Last updated: July 30, 2026
Sponsor: University of California, San Diego
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Bulimia

Vomiting

Anorexia

Treatment

Kenetik Ketone Drink

Clinical Study ID

NCT05507008
804669
  • Ages 18-65
  • All Genders

Study Summary

This study will investigate the effects of ketone supplementation on eating behavior including drive to binge eat or restrict, mood and anxiety in individuals with anorexia or bulimia nervosa. In addition, the investigators will contrast the effects of active ketone supplementation versus placebo on electroencephalogram (EEG) measurement. All subjects enrolled in the study will undergo EEG on two consecutive days at the beginning of the study, after active ketone supplementation or placebo drink, matched in taste to the ketone drink. Days will be randomized. Thereafter, all subjects will take the ketone supplementation drink for two weeks, twice daily.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Must currently meet DSM-5 criteria for Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, or OSFEDAnorexia or Bulimia Nervosa based on the MINI diagnostic interview

  2. Be medically stable as assessed by a comprehensive medical and behavioral evaluationconducted by a study physician

  3. English as primary spoken language.

  4. Ability to respond to EMA questions up to 6x per day within 60 minutes of receivingthe message.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Psychotic illness/other organic brain syndromes, dementia, somatization disorders orconversion disorders

  2. Current substance abuse or dependence in the past 3 months

  3. Physical conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus, pregnancy) known to influence eatingor weight

  4. Medical conditions associated with ketoacidosis: type 1 diabetes mellitus, acutepancreatitis, alcoholic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, hepatitis or Boerhaavesyndrome (esophageal rupture)

  5. History of significant head trauma

  6. Indication of intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder

  7. Known allergy to any of the KenetikR drink components: D-beta-hydroxybutyric acid (D-BHB), Stevia, Monkfruit, Potassium Bicarbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate PotassiumSorbate or Taste Task Solutions: Sucrose, Potassium Chloride, Sodium bicarbonate.

Study Design

Total Participants: 38
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Kenetik Ketone Drink
Phase:
Study Start date:
October 13, 2022
Estimated Completion Date:
July 06, 2026

Study Description

The goals of the study are:

  1. to test the effect of BHB as a nutritional supplement for AN and BN and 2) to test the ingestion of BHB on brain function.

Subjects will complete a battery of self-assessments and a diagnostic assessment in order to determine eligibility and for characterization of behavior to be used in later analyses. After eligibility is confirmed, subjects will complete 2 EEG scans on separate days after ingestion of Ketone supplement drink or placebo and will complete a taste reward task during the EEG scan. Subjects will then complete 2 weeks of daily ketone supplementation and self-assessments.

5000 Centregreen Way, Suite 200
Cary, NC, 27513, USA

Phone: 609.945.0101

Trademark Disclaimer

WCG’s Clinical Trial Listing Service (CTLS) is an online database of clinical research studies curated from public and proprietary sources.

Any references to third-party entities, companies, brands, trademarks, service marks, or logos are provided solely for informational purposes. Such references do not imply any endorsement, sponsorship, authorization, recommendation, partnership, or other affiliation between WCG and any such third party.