This study looked at whether taking exogenous ketone bodies helps people think better. Researchers combined data from 38 studies involving 1,602 participants. Of those, 1,117 people from 29 protocols were included in the main analysis. The group included healthy adults or individuals with neuropsychiatric conditions.
When compared to a placebo, the ketone supplements showed a statistically significant improvement in cognitive performance. The effect size was small, described as a modest improvement in this review. This suggests a potential link between the supplements and thinking skills, but it does not prove cause and effect.
The researchers did not report specific safety concerns, adverse events, or how well participants tolerated the supplements. The main reason to be careful is that the current evidence warrants further investigation in well-powered, long-term trials. We do not yet know if these benefits last over time or if the supplements are safe for everyone.
Readers should realistically take this as support for exogenous ketones as a flexible nutritional strategy for cognitive support. However, it is not a replacement for established medical treatments. People interested in trying these supplements should discuss them with a healthcare provider first.