Abstract EP40: Effects Of Ketone Salt Supplementation On Blood Pressure In Adults Diagnosed With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often in a state of hyperarousal due to overactive sympathetic nervous system activity. This in turn causes resting blood pressure to increase which leads to chronic hypertension. Those diagnosed with PTSD are at an increased risk for developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Beta-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body, has been shown to directly inhibit sympathetic drive at the receptor site. Beta-hydroxybutyrate is both a fuel source and signaling molecule that is produced by the liver from partially broken-down fat. In addition to endogenous sources, beta-hydroxybutyrate can be paired with salt and consumed exogenously. Exogenous ketone salt supplementation has been shown to decrease systolic blood pressure (SBP) in healthy populations. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to determine if supplementing with ketone salts for 6-weeks altered SBP or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in adults diagnosed with PTSD compared to a placebo supplement. This clinical trial included a randomized, double-blinded, parallel-arm and placebo-controlled design. Participants included males and females previously diagnosed with PTSD that were between the ages of 21-65 years. Sixteen participants completed the study; nine consumed ketone salts for six-weeks and seven consumed the placebo supplement. Thirteen subjects were included in the analyses due to incomplete data. Blood pressure was measured in a fasted and rested state immediately before and after the six-week supplementation period. Two 2X2 mixed ANOVAs were used to analyze the SBP and DBP between group and time points. Although the ketone supplementation group experienced an average lowering of SBP (6.14 mmHg) and DBP (4 mmHg) following the supplementation period, no significant interaction was found for SBP, F (1, 11) = 1.18, p = .30, η 2 = .10, or DBP, F (1, 11) = 1.24, p = .29, η 2 = .10. The results demonstrated that 6-weeks of ketone salt supplementation did not significantly alter SBP or DBP in this population. However, the sample size for this study was small and thus, this study should be repeated in a larger sample for verification of this finding.