Exogenous ketones have gained a lot of popularity among keto dieter. Proponents of the supplement claim it supports health and well-being in many ways. These benefits include deepening ketosis, aiding weight loss, curbing cravings and enhancing mental performance.
But do exogenous ketones really live up to those expectations? Or are they another fad that has taken the ketogenic dieting world by storm? In this evidence-based article, you’ll learn the truth about exogenous ketones.
What’s more you’ll also discover the three best exogenous ketones supplements on the market. So, if you decide to supplement with it, you can get the best value for your hard-earned money. Let’s dive in!
Exogenous Ketones: What are They and Why Should You Care?
Exogenous ketones are synthetic ketone bodies in supplement form. Ingesting them enhances your state of ketosis by raining raising your blood ketone levels.
Exogenous ketones were first synthesized in the 1960’s by scientists to help them study specific diseases, such as seizure disorders. But since synthetic ketones were expensive at that time, they weren’t popular among the masses.
Nowadays, exogenous ketones are more affordable and have gained a lot of popularity. While the research on exogenous ketones is still limited, here are six evidence-based benefits of supplementing with it:
- Getting into and deepening ketosis
Exogenous ketones can kick-start ketosis or deepen your state of it by functioning as a trigger that alerts your cells that ketones are the preferred fuel source (1, 2).
- Aiding weight loss by curbing hunger
“Increased blood ketone levels may directly suppress appetite, as KE [exogenous ketone ester] drinks lowered plasma ghrelin levels, perceived hunger and desire to eat.” That’s what researchers concluded in a 2018 study published in the journal Obesity (3).
In other words, supplementing with exogenous ketones can reduce hunger levels. This aids your success in obtaining and maintaining your ideal body weight by reducing food and calorie intake.
- Avoiding “keto flu” symptoms
If you’re new to the ketogenic diet, slashing your carb intake may lead to unpleasant side effects as your body isn’t efficient at burning fat for fuel. During the first week, this can lead to “keto flu” symptoms such as headaches, irritability, dizziness, sugar cravings, low-energy, fatigue and stomach irritability.
While not everyone new to the ketogenic diet experiences keto flu symptoms, those who do can benefit from supplementing with exogenous ketones. The reason is that this supplement raises ketone levels. This gives the body extra energy, which can help avoid or at least reduce symptoms.
- Boost athletic performance
Exogenous ketones can boost workout performance by providing extra energy, as shown by research published in the journal Cell Metabolism. In the study, the researchers gave 39 cyclists different “energy drinks” before their workout that were either infused with carbohydrates, fats or exogenous ketones (4).
They found that cyclists who had consumed the ketone drink had the lowest lactate levels (which is linked to muscular fatigue), and they cycled an average of 400 meters further than those consuming the carb or fat-enriched drinks over a half hour period.
- Might prevent and counteract cancer development
Because cancer cells can’t use ketone bodies effectively, supplementing with exogenous ketones may act as an anti-carcinogenic. One study found that ketone supplementation raised survival rates of mice with systemic cancer by up to 70% (5).
- Prevent age-related cognitive decline
Supplementing with exogenous ketone seems to reduce age-related cognitive decline. Researchers believe this is because ketone bodies impair hyper-excitability and inflammation that usually occurs when brain glucose metabolism declines (6, 7).
What to Look For and Avoid When Buying Exogenous Ketones
While exogenous ketones are relatively new on the market, there are a lot of options you can choose from. Unfortunately, as with every supplement, the quality among exogenous ketones varies tremendously.
Many exogenous ketone products are loaded with non-keto-friendly ingredients that possibly can wreak havoc on your health and well-being. Those include added sugar, artificial sweeteners, gums, fillers, and more.
Now, if you’re looking for an exogenous ketone supplement, there are a few criteria you should look for. First off, go for a supplement that has ketones in beta-hydroxybutyrate form as this boosts ketone levels effectively. Also make sure that it’s free from junk such as sugars, artificial sweeteners, gums and fillers.
The Best Exogenous Ketones Products
If you’re looking for the best exogenous ketone supplements on the market, then good news! We’ve thoroughly evaluated every available product and created an unbiased top three list so that you can save a lot of time and not have to struggle. Simply go through the list below and discover which supplement is optimal for your needs, situation and preferences.
#1. Perfect Keto
If you’re looking for the best exogenous ketones supplement, then the one developed by Dr. Anthony Gustin, a functional medicine clinician, is without a doubt your best choice. Why?
First off, it’s made from high-quality beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) that’s been extensively lab tested for quality, purity and efficacy so that you can boost your health and ketone levels efficiently.
It’s also available in five pleasant flavors (chocolate, peach, coffee, vanilla and salted caramel). They are all sweetened with monk fruit extract – a potent, calorie-free sweetener that doesn’t spike blood sugar.
What’s more it mixes easily in all your favorite beverages, including water, coffee, coconut milk and shakes. And it’s free from gum, fillers, carbs and sugars. (In other words, zero junk.)
Pros:
- Developed by Dr. Anthony Gustin, a functional medicine clinician
- Made from high-quality beta-hydroxybutyrate
- Extensively lab tested for quality, purity, and efficacy
- Contains zero junk
- Best-tasting exogenous ketone supplement
- Sweetened with monk fruit extract
- Mixes easily
Cons:
- Only available in one size
#2. Keto Drive by Zhou Nutrition
This product by Zhou Nutrition, which is designed explicitly for keto dieters, contains a high-quality complex of beta-hydroxybutyrate. It has zero carbs, sugar or other compounds that can hamper ketosis and spike blood sugar. And it also mixes easily with your favorite beverages, including water, coffee, coconut milk and shakes.
Contrary to most exogenous ketone products, this one by Zhou Nutrition doesn’t taste horrible. In fact it’s available in three delicious flavors: Orange Mango, Matcha Lemonade and Black Cherry (which contains added caffeine). We recommend the Orange Mango flavor, as it’s highly refreshing.
Pros:
- Made from high-quality beta-hydroxybutyrate
- Zero carbs, sugar or other junk
- Mixes easily
- Available in three pleasant flavors
Cons:
- Only available in one size
#3. Julian Bakery’s InstaKetones
Julian Bakery’s product called InstaKetones has 11.7 grams of high-quality beta-hydroxybutyrate per serving and is flavored with a keto-friendly orange taste. It’s also free of gluten, artificial colors and flavorings, GMO and preservatives. In other words, zero junk.
What’s unique about InstaKetones is that each serving has 100 mg of organic caffeine. This supports fat burning and boosts energy levels, which is why this product is an excellent pre-workout solution to enhance your performance.
Pros:
- Made from high-quality beta-hydroxybutyrate
- Contains zero junk
- Contains caffeine for enhanced energy and fat burning
- Excellent pre-workout supplement
Cons:
- Unpleasant taste
The Bottom Line
While there’s only a limited amount of research on exogenous ketones, the available data looks promising. Supplementing with it can aid your health and well-being in various ways, such as by enhancing ketosis, staving off keto and boosting athletic performance.
Because ketones can reduce hunger, supplementing with them in exogenous form may even help you obtain and maintain your ideal body weight by reducing your food and calorie intake.
Unfortunately, many exogenous ketone products contain low-quality ingredients that can potentially harm ketosis and health. That’s why it’s crucial that you select a high-quality product
The good news? We’ve done the heavy lifting for you and developed a top three list, so that you can select the product that’s best for your health and well-being. Now, if you’re looking for the best exogenous supplement, then…
Here’s What to Do Next
If you’re ready to experience the life-enhancing benefits of exogenous ketones and willing to invest in the best product on the market, then order from Perfect Keto.
Here’s in a nutshell why the exogenous ketones by Perfect Keto are, without a shadow of a doubt, your best option:
- It is developed by Dr. Anthony Gustin, a functional medicine clinician
- It is made from high-quality beta-hydroxybutyrate
- It is lab tested extensively for quality, purity, and efficacy
- It contains zero junk
- It is the best-tasting option
- It mixes easily in all your beverages
Are you ready to boost your health, performance and well-being? If yes, then click here now to invest in the exogenous ketones by Perfect Keto. You’ll be glad you did!
Make sure to check our guides on keto gummies reviews for more up to date information.
