Study on How Ketone Supplements and Alcohol Affect Brain Metabolism Using MRI Scans

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how ketone supplements and alcohol affect brain function and metabolism using brain imaging technology. The study aims to better understand the acute effects of these substances on brain chemicals such as Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, Glutamate, and Gamma-aminobutyric acid. Participants include adults who consume alcohol and are able to complete study procedures, with the research sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania. Participants will undergo three separate visits, each involving one of three interventions given in random order a ketone supplement drink containing 20 grams of ketones, an alcoholic beverage adjusted by body weight and sex to reach a breath alcohol concentration of 0.050%, or no intervention. Each visit starts early in the morning with fasting from midnight, followed by assessments, administration of the intervention or no intervention, and a brain MRI scan. After the scan, participants are monitored until their breath alcohol and blood glucose levels return to safe ranges. During the study, participants attend a screening visit with medical history, physical exam, blood and urine tests, psychiatric assessments, and an HIV test. On lab days, vital signs, breathalyzer tests, blood glucose, ketone levels, and urine tests are performed. A follow-up phone call checks on health and side effects the day after each visit. The study measures brain chemical levels at specific times after interventions to understand their acute effects. Participation lasts for the screening plus three lab visits and follow-up calls.

Effects of Ketone Supplement and Alcohol on Brain Metabolism