• Ketone salts in a ketogenic diet?

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    Dr. Rhonda Patrick, along with Dr. Dominic D'Agostino, has discussed the role of ketone salts in a ketogenic diet and their various potential benefits. Here are the key points:

    1. Ketone Salts and MCTs: Combining ketone salts with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can elevate and sustain ketosis. They offer favorable effects on glycemic regulation, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure benefits—though not as potent as ketone esters 1.

    2. Therapeutic Benefits: Ketone salts show potential benefits for managing diseases like epilepsy and cancer, and have been observed to influence brain neuropharmacology by increasing GABAergic tone, which can help in calming neurological activity 2.

    3. Practical Usage: Dr. D'Agostino suggests using small doses of ketone salts combined with other supplements like creatine, acetyl-l-carnitine, and taurine to boost ketosis. These supplements can help in preserving branched-chain amino acids and provide anticatabolic effects 3.

    4. Performance Enhancement: For exercise performance, especially in extreme environments, the combination of ketone salts, caffeine, and electrolytes may act as a powerful performance-enhancing supplement. However, for aerobic performance and strength, the effects can vary and might include a placebo effect 4.

    5. Potential Risks: High doses of ketone esters can lead to metabolic acidosis and liver strain. Dr. Patrick and Dr. D'Agostino recommend spreading out doses and opting for ketones bound to electrolytes for a more natural and safer alternative 5.

    These points underline the benefits and considerations of integrating ketone salts into a ketogenic diet for various health and performance outcomes.

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