Effects of Ketone Salt Supplementation on Blood Health Parameters in Adults Diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine if ketone salt administration for six-weeks alters blood health parameters, specifically variables from the comprehensive metabolic panel and complete blood count test, in adults diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). MethodsThis clinical trial consisted of a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled design. Participants included males and females between the ages of 18–65 diagnosed with PTSD. Participants were randomized to either consume a control or ketone salt supplement twice a day for 6-weeks. Blood samples via a venous blood draw were collected before and after the six-week supplementation period. Blood analyses included a comprehensive metabolic panel and a complete blood count test. A series of 2 × 2 mixed ANOVAs (time: pre- and post-intervention; group: control or ketone salt) were used to analyze the collected data for each of the dependent variables. ResultsOf the 16 subjects that finished the study, 12 had complete pre- and post- comprehensive metabolic panel and complete blood count test results. There were main effects of group for the variables aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, and mean corpuscular volume, which were significantly greater in the control group than in the ketone group (p < .05 for each). However, no significant interaction effect between group and time for any of the dependent variables was observed (p > .05 in all cases). The results demonstrate that the control and ketone salt supplements did not alter any of the variables in the comprehensive metabolic panel or complete blood count test when compared from baseline to post-six-week supplementation. ConclusionsBeta-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body, may reduce anxiety and other sympathetic driven measures associated with PTSD, however, it is important to ensure ketone supplements to do not cause adverse effects in this populations before implementing them for possible therapeutic effects. The findings from this pilot study suggest that prolonged ketone salt supplementation may be further examined as a therapeutic option as it did not result in negative blood health outcomes. Funding SourcesPruvit Ventures, Inc. and the College of Education at Augusta University financially supported this study.