Exogenous Ketone Supplements: Everything you Need to Know

The ketogenic diet is a popular low-carb, high-fat method of weight loss. The goal of the keto diet is to get your body in a state called ketosis where you consume very limited amounts of carbs to which your body adapts by burning fat instead of carbs for fuel.

Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, cutting out carbs is much harder than you might think (especially if you’re a pasta and pizza lover), making it extremely difficult to maintain ketosis and this is where Exogenous Ketone supplements can be useful. This article explains everything you need to know about exogenous ketones and how they work.

What are exogenous ketone supplements?

They may sound complicated, but exogenous ketones are easier to understand than they are to pronounce. They are artificial replicas of the ketones your body naturally produces, specifically the beta-hydroxybutyrate ketone (BHB), which is the compound your body produces when it burns fat to make energy. Exogenous ketones are sold as supplements, and come in two forms; esters and salts.

The difference between ketone esters and ketone salts

Ketone esters are more raw in form than salts and so, they are more expensive to produce and aren’t as accessible to consumers. On the other hand, ketone salts, are essentially BHB molecules that have been bound to a mineral -such as potassium, or calcium- and come as a powder that’s typically mixed into a liquid for consumption.  Ketone salts are also much better tasting than esters, which adds to their popularity. They are commonly more available, making them your main option when ketone shopping.

The advantages of exogenous ketone supplements

The main reason for consuming exogenous ketones is to speed up the process of getting your body into a state of ketosis, but they can have other various benefits including:

• Mental energy elevation and improved focus 
• Faster and easier transition into ketosis
• Athletic performance development
• Increased fat burning
• Accelerated weight loss 
• Help getting back into ketosis after carbs consumption
• Boosting physical energy

How and when can you take exogenous ketones?

When consumed throughout the day, many nutritionists believe exogenous ketones supplements can be useful to someone starting a strict ketogenic diet, helping ease their transition into ketosis. (Or what is commonly known as the keto flu). Choosing the best BHB supplements and determining when and how often you take them depends on your goals. To boost cognition and improve focus, for example; it is advised to take them in the morning.

Taking them approximately an hour before your workout can give you a little boost before you exercise. When taken after carbs consumption, they can help a dieting person get back into ketosis after a slip-up.

There is no shame in using the extra help of exogenous ketones to reach your weight-loss goals, but do not make the mistake of thinking that you can overindulge in carbs and stay in ketosis or lose weight just because you’re consuming ketones.

You have to put in the effort if you want to be in ketosis. After all, a supplement is merely intended to enhance healthier dietary choices you’re already making. Last but not least, always make sure you pick a supplement that is best suitable for your goals to ensure satisfying results.