Prüvit Keto OS is a brand of exogenous ketone supplements marketed for their ability to increase energy, boost athletic performance, and reduce appetite. These supplements aim to provide similar benefits to a ketogenic diet, such as improved athletic and mental performance, even without following the diet. This article delves into Prüvit Keto OS supplements, exploring the evidence behind exogenous ketones, their potential benefits, and associated risks.
What are Prüvit Keto OS Supplements?
Keto OS supplements are manufactured by Prüvit, which identifies itself as a global leader in ketone technology. Keto OS, short for "Ketone Operating System," is an exogenous ketone drink available in various flavors. It is sold as a powder in bulk containers and convenient "on-the-go" (OTG) packets, designed to be dissolved in cold water. Prüvit suggests mixing a heaping scoop of Keto OS with 12 to 16 ounces of cold water, consuming it once daily for therapeutic benefits or twice daily for "optimal performance."
Understanding Ketones
Ketones, or "ketone bodies," are compounds produced by the body as an alternative energy source when glucose (blood sugar) is unavailable for fuel. This occurs during starvation, prolonged fasting, or when following ketogenic diets. In these instances, the body enters a metabolic state called ketosis, becoming highly efficient at burning fat for energy.
During ketogenesis, the liver converts fatty acids into ketones for energy. These ketones become the primary energy source for tissues like the brain and muscles when blood sugar is low. The main ketones produced during ketogenesis are acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone.
There are two types of ketones:
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- Endogenous ketones: Ketones produced naturally by the body through ketogenesis.
- Exogenous ketones: Ketones supplied to the body from an external source, such as a nutritional supplement.
Most exogenous ketone supplements, including Keto OS, utilize beta-hydroxybutyrate as their exogenous ketone source due to its efficient use by the body.
Ketone Supplements: Salts vs. Esters
There are two primary forms of exogenous ketone supplements:
- Ketone salts: The most common form in supplements like Keto OS. They contain ketones bound to minerals like sodium, calcium, or potassium to enhance absorption.
- Ketone esters: Primarily used in research and not widely available to consumers. They consist of pure beta-hydroxybutyrate without additives.
Besides beta-hydroxybutyrate, Prüvit Keto OS supplements include caffeine, MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) powder, malic acid, ascorbic acid, and Stevia, a natural, zero-calorie sweetener. Prüvit Keto OS supplements are gluten-free but contain milk ingredients.
In addition to ketone salts, Prüvit Keto OS supplements contain caffeine, MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) powder, malic acid, ascorbic acid, and the natural, zero-calorie sweetener Stevia.
How Prüvit Keto OS Supplements Work
Prüvit asserts that Keto OS supplements enable consumers to achieve nutritional ketosis within 60 minutes of consumption. This is appealing to individuals who are discouraged by the effort and dedication required to induce ketosis through a ketogenic diet, which can take weeks.
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The standard ketogenic diet typically consists of 5% carbohydrates, 15% protein, and 80% fat, which can be challenging to maintain long-term. Exogenous ketone supplements were developed to offer a shortcut to ketosis and its associated benefits without strict dieting or fasting.
Unlike the gradual increase in ketones from a ketogenic diet, exogenous ketone supplements like Keto OS cause a rapid rise in blood ketone levels. Once ingested, beta-hydroxybutyrate is absorbed into the bloodstream and converted into an effective energy source.
The appeal of exogenous ketones lies in their ability to elevate ketone levels even when the consumer is not in ketosis beforehand. It is believed that achieving nutritional ketosis through supplementation can provide the same benefits as ketosis achieved through diet or fasting, including weight loss, increased energy, and mental clarity.
Potential Benefits of Exogenous Ketones
While research on the ketogenic diet is extensive, research on exogenous ketones is still emerging. However, some studies suggest promising results regarding their potential benefits.
May Improve Athletic Performance
During intense training, the body's glucose (blood sugar) requirements increase. Exogenous ketones may be beneficial for athletes due to their glucose-sparing properties. Low muscle glycogen levels (the storage form of glucose) can impair athletic performance.
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Some studies indicate that exogenous ketone supplements may improve athletic performance. A study involving 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 carbohydrate or fat-containing drink.
Exogenous ketones may also expedite recovery after intense workouts by promoting muscle glycogen replenishment. However, they may not be as effective for exercises requiring short bursts of energy, like sprinting, because these activities are anaerobic (without oxygen), and the body needs oxygen to break down ketones. It's also important to note that the ketone salts in commercially available supplements are less potent than the ketone esters used in research.
Could Reduce Appetite
The ketogenic diet's ability to reduce appetite and aid in weight loss has been demonstrated 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 be an effective way to suppress appetite.
Ketones can influence the hypothalamus, a brain region that regulates food intake and energy balance, thereby suppressing appetite. A study of 15 people found that consuming 0.86 calories of ketone esters per pound (1.9 calories/kg) of body weight resulted in 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 group that consumed the ketone ester drink.
May Help Prevent Mental Decline
Ketones have been shown to be an effective alternative fuel source for the brain when glucose availability is low. There is also evidence that ketone bodies help reduce neurological damage by blocking inflammasomes, protein complexes that cause inflammation in the body. Supplementing with exogenous ketones has improved mental function in studies, particularly 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. A study following 20 adults with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment found that increasing blood levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate by supplementing with MCT oil (a type of saturated fat that promotes ketone production) led to greater improvement in cognitive performance compared to a placebo.
Studies on rats and mice with Alzheimer's disease have found that supplementing with ketone esters improved memory and learning and reduced 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
Achieving ketosis has been associated with weight loss, better appetite control, and protection from chronic diseases like diabetes. However, reaching ketosis through a ketogenic diet or fasting can be challenging. 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 ketone levels in the blood without dietary changes. However, ketone salts, like those in Keto OS, are less effective at raising ketone levels than ketone esters. Studies have shown that ketone salt supplementation results in beta-hydroxybutyrate levels of less than 1 mmol/L, while ketone esters raise blood beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations to 3 to 5 mmol/L.
Even though the effect may be small, exogenous ketone salt supplements like Keto OS can provide a quick boost of ketones. Recommendations for blood ketone levels vary depending on the goal, but most experts recommend a range between 0.5-3.0 mmol/L. Individuals starting a ketogenic diet may find exogenous ketones helpful in raising ketone levels and reducing symptoms of "keto flu," such as nausea and fatigue, which can occur during the initial weeks of dietary adaptation.
Potential Risks of Ketone Supplements
While ketone supplements have potential benefits, they also carry possible 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 with a ketogenic diet.
- Low blood sugar: Ketone supplements can significantly reduce blood sugar levels, necessitating consultation with a doctor before use, especially for individuals with diabetes.
- Expense: Following Prüvit's recommendation of two servings of Keto OS per day for "optimal performance" can cost around $182 for two weeks' worth.
- Unpleasant taste: Despite ketone salts being more palatable than ketone esters, some consumers find the taste of Keto OS unpleasant.
Additionally, the long-term effects of combining a non-ketogenic diet with exogenous ketone supplements are unknown, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks. Research on exogenous ketone supplements is currently limited, and studies on their potential benefits are ongoing. As more information becomes available through scientific studies, the applications and limitations of exogenous ketones will be better understood.
Should You Take Prüvit Keto OS Supplements?
The use of exogenous ketones, especially by individuals not following a ketogenic diet, is a relatively new trend. Some evidence suggests that these supplements may boost athletic and mental performance and decrease appetite, but conclusive research on their benefits is still limited.
As the use of exogenous ketones continues to be explored, the potential benefits and risks of using these supplements will become clearer. For individuals already following a ketogenic diet who want to reach ketosis more quickly, or for athletes seeking a performance boost, an exogenous ketone supplement like Keto OS may be beneficial.
However, due to limited information on the effectiveness and safety of these supplements, as well as their high cost, it may be prudent to wait for more scientific studies to confirm their benefits before investing in Keto OS supplements. It's also important to consider that most studies have examined ketone esters, not the ketone salts found in supplements like Keto OS. While some ketone ester products are being developed for public consumption, they are not currently available. Given the limited understanding of the effects of exogenous ketones on different individuals, consulting a doctor before taking these supplements is always recommended.
Pruvit Keto Reboot
Pruvit offers a Keto Reboot kit, which includes a variety of exogenous ketone powders to mix with water for drinks, broths, and teas. These products are free of artificial colors, sweeteners, gluten, sugar, and dairy. The Keto Reboot is often done monthly, typically starting on a Sunday night and ending on a Wednesday morning, involving a 60-hour fast. The reboot aims to reset the metabolism and break bad eating habits.
The kit includes products like Keto Max (ketones bioidentical to those produced by the liver), Keto Thyme Better Broth (bone broth with ketones), and Mitoplex electrolytes. The reboot process involves drinking these products throughout the day while maintaining adequate hydration.
Examining User Experiences
User experiences with Pruvit Keto OS and Keto Reboot vary. Some users report weight loss, increased focus and energy, and improved mood. However, others have experienced side effects such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and disrupted sleep. Some users also question whether the products induce actual ketosis or simply result in the wastage of the drink.