Keto Up Drink Ingredients: A Comprehensive Guide

The keto up drink market is filled with products boasting biohacking benefits, but it's important to understand what you're putting into your body. This article provides a detailed look at the ingredients commonly found in keto up drinks, their potential benefits, and potential drawbacks, including a comparison of popular brands and homemade options.

Understanding Key Keto Terms

Before diving into specific ingredients, let's clarify some common terms:

  • Ketosis: A metabolic state where the body primarily uses fat for fuel instead of glucose.
  • Ketogenesis: The process by which the liver produces ketones from fatty acids.
  • Ketones (or Ketone Bodies): Molecules produced during ketogenesis that serve as an alternative energy source. The ketones made during ketogenesis are acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone.
  • Exogenous Ketones: Ketones consumed through external sources, such as supplements, rather than produced by the body.

The Science of Ketones

The science behind the effects that ketones have on the body is in its early stages. The studies simply explore the positive effects of the ketogenic diet, ketosis, and ketones. It's important to note that many studies demonstrating the benefits of ketosis, such as improved cognitive function, have used methods like MCT oil and very low-carb diets to induce ketosis, not necessarily exogenous ketones.

Types of Keto Up Drinks

Keto up drinks generally fall into a few categories:

  • Exogenous Ketone Supplements: These supplements aim to raise ketone levels in the body, potentially offering benefits like increased energy, appetite suppression, and improved athletic performance.
  • Electrolyte Drinks: These drinks focus on replenishing electrolytes lost during ketosis, helping to combat the "keto flu."
  • MCT Oil Supplements: MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) are fats that are easily converted into ketones by the body.

Exogenous Ketone Supplements: A Closer Look

Exogenous ketone supplements come in two main forms:

Read also: Stay Hydrated on Keto

  • Ketone Salts: The most common form, where ketones (typically beta-hydroxybutyrate or BHB) are bound to minerals like sodium, calcium, or potassium to improve absorption.
  • Ketone Esters: Primarily used in research, these are pure beta-hydroxybutyrate without additives. They are generally more potent but often have a bitter taste and can cause gastrointestinal distress.

Common Ingredients in Exogenous Ketone Supplements

  • Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB): The primary ketone body used in supplements. Look for products containing D-BHB or R-BHB, as these are the most rapidly absorbed forms.
  • Caffeine: Often added for an energy boost.
  • MCT Powder: Medium-chain triglycerides can help increase ketone levels.
  • Malic Acid: May contribute to flavor.
  • Ascorbic Acid: Vitamin C.
  • Sweeteners: Monk fruit and stevia are common keto-friendly sweeteners.

Pruvit Keto OS: A Popular Brand

Prüvit Keto OS is a well-known brand of exogenous ketone supplements. Their products, like KETO//OS NAT, contain a proprietary blend of ketone salts and other ingredients, including:

  • C-Med 100®: An ingredient Pruvit claims offers additional benefits like healthy cell function and DNA repair.
  • Caffeine: For increased energy.
  • MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) powder
  • Malic acid
  • Ascorbic acid
  • Stevia: A natural, zero-calorie sweetener.

Potential Benefits of Exogenous Ketone Supplements (as Claimed)

  • Increased Ketone Levels: Exogenous ketones can rapidly increase ketone levels in the blood.
  • Improved Athletic Performance: Some studies suggest that exogenous ketones may improve endurance and recovery.
  • Reduced Appetite: Ketones may help suppress appetite by affecting the hypothalamus.
  • Prevention of Mental Decline: Ketones can serve as an alternative fuel source for the brain and may have neuroprotective effects.
  • Faster Ketosis: Exogenous ketones may help individuals reach ketosis more quickly, especially when starting a ketogenic diet.
  • Reduced Keto Flu Symptoms: Some users report that exogenous ketones help alleviate symptoms like nausea and fatigue during the initial stages of a ketogenic diet.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Exogenous Ketone Supplements

  • Digestive Issues: Stomach upset, diarrhea, pain, and gas are common side effects.
  • Bad Breath: Elevated ketone levels can cause bad breath.
  • Low Blood Sugar: Ketone supplements can lower blood sugar levels.
  • Expense: Exogenous ketone supplements can be costly.
  • Unpleasant Taste: Some users find the taste of ketone salts unpalatable.
  • Short-term reduction in endogenous ketones production: After ingesting ketones, your body may shut down ketogenesis (i.e., your natural process of making ketones).
  • May trigger disordered eating: Though Pruvit advocates for a healthy keto or low carb lifestyle, their marketing and educational materials promote the need for a quick ketosis fix and seemingly magical solution for fat loss struggles without any legitimate evidence to support their claims. As a result, buying into their supplement system can provoke the very same disordered eating behaviors that we often try to avoid by going low carb.

Pruvit Keto OS Products: KETO OS NAT vs. KETO OS PRO

  • KETO OS NAT: Contains ketone salts and C-Med 100®. Marketed for rapid ketone level increase and potential benefits like healthy cell function and DNA repair.
  • KETO OS Nat Lite: Almost identical to KETO OS NAT, but with a much lower dose of exogenous ketones.
  • KETO OS PRO: Contains ketone salts, C-Med 100®, and protein.

It's important to note that even though high protein intakes can prevent ketosis, it takes substantially more protein than the 6 grams per serving in KETO OS PRO to do it.

Electrolyte Drinks for Keto

When starting a ketogenic diet, the body excretes more electrolytes, leading to potential deficiencies and the dreaded "keto flu." Electrolyte drinks help replenish these lost minerals.

Key Electrolytes and Their Importance

  • Sodium: Regulates fluid balance, crucial for muscle function and nerve transmission.
  • Potassium: Vital for heart and muscle function. Daily needs are typically around 2,600 to 3,400 mg.
  • Magnesium: Supports muscle function, reduces fatigue, and aids in sleep.

Homemade Keto Electrolyte Drink Recipe

Here's a simple recipe for a homemade keto electrolyte drink:

  • Water: The base of the drink.
  • Magnesium Supplement: Magnesium citrate is easily absorbed. When magnesium carbonate and citric acid are combined in hot water, a chemical reaction takes place resulting in the formation of magnesium citrate.
  • Potassium Source: Lite salt, cream of tartar, or potassium chloride.
  • Sodium Source: Sea salt or Himalayan pink salt.
  • Low-Carb Sweetener (Optional): Allulose, erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia.
  • Flavoring (Optional): Lemon or lime juice, flavored herbal tea.

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a pitcher.
  2. Mix well until the magnesium supplement is fully dissolved.
  3. Add ice and enjoy!

Tips:

  • For Natural Calm magnesium citrate, mix thoroughly and let it fizz completely before drinking.
  • Drink with meals, not on an empty stomach.
  • Start with 1-2 cups per day and adjust as needed based on activity level.
  • If experiencing keto flu symptoms, consume 2-3 cups per day with meals and increase sodium intake.

Store-Bought Electrolyte Drink Options

When choosing store-bought options, be mindful of added sugars and artificial ingredients. Look for brands that use keto-friendly sweeteners and provide a good balance of sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Diet Coke on Keto

MCT Oil and Keto

MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) are fats that are easily converted into ketones by the liver. Supplementing with MCT oil can help boost ketone levels and provide a quick source of energy.

Types of MCTs

  • C8 (Caprylic Acid) and C10 (Capric Acid): These are the most ketogenic MCTs, meaning they are most efficiently converted into ketones.

How to Use MCT Oil

MCT oil can be added to coffee, smoothies, or other beverages. It can also be taken on its own.

Perfect Keto vs. Pruvit Keto: A Comparison

Perfect Keto and Pruvit Keto are two popular brands offering exogenous ketone supplements. Here's a comparison:

  • Ingredients: Perfect Keto Base uses only BHB ketones, while Pruvit Keto//OS contains a proprietary blend of ketone salts and other ingredients. The exact amount of BHB in Pruvit products is unknown.
  • Sweeteners: Both use keto-friendly sweeteners like monk fruit and stevia.
  • Customer Experience: Perfect Keto offers a straightforward purchasing process with no membership requirements. Pruvit uses a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) structure, requiring a referral code for purchase.
  • Pricing: Perfect Keto products are generally more affordable.
  • BHB Content: Perfect Keto Base contains 11.3 grams of high-quality BHB per serving.

Dr. Boz's PUCKER UP! Clear: A Unique Liquid BHB Option

Dr. Boz's PUCKER UP! Clear is a liquid BHB supplement with a unique approach:

  • One Ingredient: Liquid BHB (Beta-HydroxyButyric Acid).
  • Sour Taste: Designed to have an intense sour lemon taste, catering to those who prefer less sweetness as they become keto-adapted.
  • Versatility: Can be mixed with water or added to other supplements to increase ketone content without extra sweeteners or flavors.
  • Purpose: Marketed for keto-adapted individuals, those transitioning back into ketosis, or anyone seeking a quick ketone boost.

The Ketogenic Diet vs. Exogenous Ketones

It's crucial to understand that exogenous ketones are not a replacement for a well-formulated ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet offers a wider range of benefits, including:

Read also: Is Meltdown Keto Drink right for you?

  • Weight Loss and Insulin Reduction: The ketogenic diet is superior to exogenous ketone supplementation when it comes to weight loss and insulin reduction.
  • Cognitive Function: The ketogenic diet is superior to exogenous ketone supplementation when it comes to cognitive function.
  • Long-Term Ketosis: The ketogenic diet is the safest and cheapest way to get into long-term ketosis.

Exogenous ketones may have a role in enhancing the benefits of a ketogenic diet or providing some benefits to non-ketogenic dieters, but they should not be seen as a substitute for the real thing.

When to Consider Keto Up Drinks

  • Starting a Ketogenic Diet: Exogenous ketones may help accelerate the transition into ketosis and reduce keto flu symptoms.
  • Boosting Athletic Performance: Some athletes use exogenous ketones to improve endurance and recovery.
  • Increasing Energy and Focus: Ketone supplements may provide a quick energy boost and improve mental clarity.
  • Replenishing Electrolytes: Electrolyte drinks are essential for maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance on a ketogenic diet.
  • Falling off the Keto Bandwagon: If you’ve fallen off the keto wagon with a binge of carbohydrates, transition back to ketosis by adding PUCKER UP! Clear to your liquids.

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