The ketogenic diet has surged in popularity, leading to a rise in keto-friendly supplements. Among these are exogenous ketone supplements, like Prüvit Keto OS, marketed to provide the benefits of a ketogenic diet without adhering to its strict guidelines. Pulse, in collaboration with Austrian energy drink experts, has developed a range of energy drinks designed to provide an instant surge of energy and an explosion of flavour. This article explores the ingredients, potential benefits, and risks associated with keto pulse drinks, drawing on information about Prüvit Keto OS and pulse ingredients.
What is Prüvit Keto OS?
Prüvit Keto OS, short for “Ketone Operating System,” is an exogenous ketone drink produced by Prüvit, a company that considers itself a worldwide leader in ketone technology. It is available in various flavors as a powder in bulk containers and on-the-go packets, intended to be dissolved in cold water. The company recommends mixing a scoop with 12 to 16 ounces of cold water, taken once daily for therapeutic benefits or twice for optimal performance.
Ketones Explained
Ketones, or ketone bodies, are compounds produced by the body as an alternative energy source when glucose (blood sugar) is unavailable. This occurs during starvation, prolonged fasting, or when following a ketogenic diet. In these situations, the body enters ketosis, efficiently burning fat for energy.
During ketogenesis, the liver converts fatty acids into ketones: acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone. These ketones become the primary energy source for tissues like the brain and muscles when blood sugar is low.
There are two types of ketones:
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- Endogenous ketones: Produced naturally by the body through ketogenesis.
- Exogenous ketones: Supplied to the body via external sources, such as nutritional supplements.
Most exogenous ketone supplements, including Keto OS, use beta-hydroxybutyrate because the body utilizes it most efficiently.
Types of Ketone Supplements
Exogenous ketone supplements come in two forms:
- Ketone salts: The most common form, including Keto OS. Ketone salts bind ketones to sodium, calcium, or potassium to enhance uptake.
- Ketone esters: Primarily used in research and not widely available to consumers. This form consists of pure beta-hydroxybutyrate without additives.
Prüvit Keto OS supplements contain beta-hydroxybutyrate, caffeine, MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) powder, malic acid, ascorbic acid, and Stevia (a natural, zero-calorie sweetener). While gluten-free, they do contain milk ingredients.
How Keto OS Supplements Work
Prüvit claims that Keto OS allows consumers to reach nutritional ketosis within 60 minutes, appealing to those who want to avoid the weeks of dedication it takes to achieve ketosis through a ketogenic diet. The standard ketogenic diet consists of 5% carbohydrates, 15% protein, and 80% fat, which can be challenging to maintain long-term.
Exogenous ketone supplements offer a shortcut to ketosis and its benefits without strict dieting or fasting. Unlike the slow rise of ketones from a ketogenic diet, Keto OS causes a rapid increase in blood ketones. After ingestion, beta-hydroxybutyrate is absorbed into the bloodstream and converted into an energy source.
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The appeal of exogenous ketones lies in their ability to raise ketone levels even without prior ketosis. It is claimed this supplementation can deliver the same benefits as ketosis achieved through diet or fasting, including weight loss, increased energy, and mental clarity.
Potential Benefits of Exogenous Ketones
While the ketogenic diet has been extensively researched, studies on exogenous ketones are still in their early stages. However, preliminary research shows promise.
May Improve Athletic Performance
During intense training, the body's glucose needs increase. Exogenous ketones' glucose-sparing qualities may benefit athletes, as low muscle glycogen levels can hinder performance. "Hitting the wall," which refers to fatigue and energy loss due to depleted glycogen reserves, is a common phenomenon.
Some studies suggest that exogenous ketone supplements may improve athletic performance. One study of 39 high-performance athletes found that consuming 260 mg of ketone esters per pound of body weight (573 mg/kg) during exercise improved athletic performance. The athletes who consumed the ketone drink traveled an average of 1/4 mile (400 meters) farther over a half hour than those who consumed a drink containing carbohydrates or fat.
Exogenous ketones may also facilitate quicker recovery after intense workouts by promoting muscle glycogen replenishment. However, they may not be effective for anaerobic exercises requiring short bursts of energy, as the body needs oxygen to break down ketones. Additionally, currently available ketone salt supplements are less potent than the ketone esters used in studies.
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Could Reduce Appetite
The ketogenic diet has demonstrated the ability to reduce appetite and promote weight loss in numerous studies. The elevation of ketones in the blood associated with the ketogenic diet has been linked to a reduction in appetite. Supplementing with exogenous ketones may also effectively reduce appetite.
Ketones can suppress appetite by influencing the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates food intake and energy balance. One study of 15 people found that consuming 0.86 calories of ketone esters per pound (1.9 calories/kg) of body weight led to significantly less hunger and desire to eat, compared to those who consumed a carbohydrate drink. Furthermore, hormones that increase appetite, such as ghrelin and insulin, were significantly lower in the ketone ester group.
May Help Prevent Mental Decline
Ketones serve as an effective alternative fuel source for the brain when glucose is scarce. Evidence suggests that ketone bodies help reduce neurological damage by blocking inflammasomes, protein complexes that cause inflammation. Supplementing with exogenous ketones has improved mental function in studies, especially in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
Brain glucose uptake is impaired in people with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment, suggesting that the gradual depletion of brain glucose can contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
One study followed 20 adults with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment. Increasing their blood levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate by supplementing with MCT oil-a type of saturated fat that promotes ketone production-led to a greater improvement in cognitive performance, compared to a placebo.
Several studies on rats and mice with Alzheimer's disease have found that supplementing with ketone esters led to improvements in memory and learning, plus helped reduce anxiety-related behavior. Exogenous ketones have also been found to help reduce neurological damage related to epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.
May Help You Reach Ketosis More Quickly
Reaching ketosis has been associated with weight loss, better appetite control, and protection from chronic diseases like diabetes. However, achieving ketosis through a ketogenic diet or fasting can be difficult. Exogenous ketone supplements can expedite this process.
Prüvit Keto OS supplements contain both beta-hydroxybutyrate and MCT powder. Supplementing with both beta-hydroxybutyrate and MCTs has been shown to effectively raise levels of ketones in the blood without the need for dietary change.
However, ketone salts, like those in Keto OS, are less effective at raising ketone levels than ketone esters. Supplementing with ketone salts resulted in beta-hydroxybutyrate levels of less than 1 mmol/L in several studies, while ketone esters raised blood beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations to 3 to 5 mmol/L.
Even though the benefit may be small, exogenous ketone salt supplements like Keto OS do provide a quick boost of ketones. Recommendations for blood ketone levels vary depending on your goal, but most experts recommend a range between 0.5-3.0 mmol/L.
Those beginning a ketogenic diet sometimes find exogenous ketones to be helpful not only in raising ketone levels but also in reducing symptoms of “keto flu.” These include nausea and fatigue, which sometimes occur in the first weeks of the diet as the body adjusts.
Potential Risks of Ketone Supplements
Despite potential benefits, ketone supplements also carry risks and unpleasant side effects.
- Digestive issues: Stomach upset, including diarrhea, pain, and gas, is a common side effect.
- Bad breath: Elevated ketone levels can cause bad breath, similar to what occurs during a ketogenic diet.
- Low blood sugar: Ketone supplements can significantly reduce blood sugar levels, necessitating caution for individuals with diabetes.
- Expense: Following Prüvit's recommendation of two servings of Keto OS per day for optimal performance costs approximately $182 for two weeks' worth.
- Unpleasant taste: Despite being more tolerable than ketone esters, Keto OS is often criticized for its unpleasant taste.
Additionally, the long-term effects of combining a non-ketogenic diet with exogenous ketone supplements remain unknown. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks. Research on exogenous ketone supplements is limited, and studies on their potential benefits are ongoing. As more information is discovered through scientific studies, the applications and limitations of exogenous ketones will be better understood.
Prista Pulse Ingredients
Ingredion has developed ultra-performance Prista pulse ingredients, manufactured via a proprietary deflavoring process, to enable food and beverage manufacturers to create protein-enhanced products without the off-flavors found in conventional dry-milled pulse ingredients. These ingredients include concentrates and flours suitable for applications where low microbial levels are critical, such as instant beverages and ready-to-eat products.
Sourced and manufactured in North America by Ingredion without using chemicals, additives, or generating wastewater, the new pulse ingredients can help manufacturers boost the success of their products as transparency, traceability, and sustainability become increasingly important to consumers.
HOMECRAFT® Prista P 101 pea flour provides 12% protein on a dry basis in addition to fiber and micronutrients. With a lower overall chalky/powdery texture and a higher savory flavor, the ingredient is ideal for gluten-free or enriched bakery products, and better-for-you snacks.
VITESSENCE® Prista P 155 pea protein concentrate offers 55% protein on a dry basis and can be used in bakery, traditional and alternative dairy and ready-to-mix beverages.
Should You Take Prüvit Keto OS Supplements?
The use of exogenous ketones, particularly by individuals not following a ketogenic diet, is a relatively new trend. While some evidence suggests potential benefits such as boosted athletic and mental performance and decreased appetite, conclusive results remain limited.
As the exploration of exogenous ketones continues, the potential benefits and risks will become better established. For individuals already following a ketogenic diet seeking to expedite ketosis or athletes aiming for a performance boost, an exogenous ketone supplement like Keto OS may offer benefits.
However, given the limited information on the effectiveness and safety of these supplements, as well as the high cost, it may be prudent to await further scientific studies before investing in Keto OS supplements. Moreover, most studies have examined ketone esters, not the ketone salts found in supplements like Keto OS.
Since little is known about the effects that exogenous ketones may have on different people, it’s always best to consult your doctor before taking these supplements.
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