THE EFFECT OF KETONE ESTER SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE KYNURENINE PATHWAY, COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE, AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE AFTER AN ACUTE SESSION OF EXHAUSTIVE TRAINING.

• Grant number: 23/11419-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Adelino Sanchez Ramos da Silva
• Grantee: João Pedro Floriano
• Host Institution: Escola de Educação Física e Esporte de Ribeirão Preto (EEFERP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: With the increasing competitiveness in sports, training sessions are becoming more intense. However, exhaustive physical exercise can negatively impact cognition and increase energy demand during sports activities. In this context, exogenous ketone ester supplementation may play an important role, as it appears to help preserve cognitive function while providing an alternative energy source for the human body. Thus, we hypothesize that ketogenesis positively influences the kynurenine pathway and the energy system during physical exercise, leading to improved sports performance. Methods: This will be a randomized, crossover, double-blind clinical trial. Sixteen amateur cyclists will perform for two hours, consuming a control beverage containing carbohydrates (CHO) in one session and, in another session, a carbohydrate beverage supplemented with ketones (CHO-KE). Both conditions will provide the same energy intake throughout the trial, allowing us to assess cognitive and physical performance, as well as investigate the kynurenine pathway. The athletes will complete questionnaires on sleep quality, mood, and gastrointestinal tolerance to supplementation. Blood samples will be analyzed using Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and metabolomics. Depending on the statistical distribution of the data, appropriate tests will be applied for comparisons, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. (AU)