Can our performance really be improved from using ketones as another source of energy?
Ketones are molecules that are made in the liver from fatty acids that can be used by our muscles for energy use. Normally they are used when the body is stressed or in starvation and can continue to supply energy to the heart and brain.
A recent study in elite cyclists that simulated a real TT performance, showed that ketone use negatively influenced performance due to adverse effects including gut upset and increased perception of effort. Further research is emerging in this area, however, a concern of ketone use is their ability to impair, rather than spare muscle carbohydrate and or prevent fat breakdown in different types of exercise.
Stay tuned!