The Drink That Promises to Put You In Ketosis

You Should Know: Another day, another new supplement promising to deliver unmatched energy and athletic performance. That’s the ruse with ketone drinks, a supplement that proponents say gives you the benefits of being in ketosis — a metabolic state that occurs when your body burns fats for energy instead of glucose — without having to eat a keto diet.  

Going Deeper: Elevated levels of ketones in the blood are associated with an array of benefits, including blood sugar stabilization and disease management. They may also protect neural brain networks, but there’s very little evidence in the way of enhancing athletic performance.

Takeaway: The claims about ketone drinks are, unsurprisingly, overblown. They’re a tool, and similar to caffeine or pre-workout, they may offer temporary benefits in terms of focus and energy. But don’t rely on them for a new personal best in the gym. 

Bottom Line: Like most supplements, ketone drinks are a quick fix, not the real deal. Whether your goal is to run a marathon or simply focus better at work, the best long-term strategy is to adopt the healthy habits that support your goal — consistent exercise, nutritious diet, good hydration, and quality sleep. And if you want some supplements, stick to the ones that work.