What are ketones salts?
Ketones are rapidly taken up by the brain and nearly all other tissues in the body to use as fuel. Anti-inflammatory effects of ketones could also be beneficial to brain health and general fitness. These effects could be helpful to people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
Ketone salts are supplements that combine a ketone with a mineral, usually sodium, potassium, calcium, and/or magnesium, all of which the body needs. The supplement usually comes as a powder that is diluted with water. Some companies also have ready-to-drink “shots”, or a concentrated liquid that can be diluted.
Most ketone salts products contain minimal, if any, sugar and are sweetened with monk fruit, stevia, allulose and/or erythritol, a sugar alcohol.
Ketone salts were the first ketone supplements on the market that contain the ketone betahydroxybutyrate (BHB). BHB is naturally made in the body from burning fat while fasting or when eating a low-carb high-fat diet.
Dr. Dominic D’Agostino at the University of South Florida developed and tested ketone salts which then became widely available in 2016 through network marketing by Pruvit Ventures. Many other brands with a variety of flavors are now available in stores and online.
Why ketones salts?
Ketone salts increase blood ketone levels regardless of whatever else is eaten at the same time. Blood levels of ketones from taking ketone salts are considerably higher than coconut oil or MCT oil and last for several hours. Taking ketone salts could be part of an overall strategy to boost ketone levels higher once or twice daily for brain health and general fitness.
Combining ketone salts with coconut oil or MCT oil
Adding coconut oil and MCT oil to meals can provide sustained mild nutritional ketosis. Taking coconut or MCT oil at the same time as ketone salts could help keep ketone levels higher longer.
Sustain Ketosis with Coconut Oil & MCT Oil →
Pair Ketone Salts with a Low-Carb or Keto Diet →
What people report who take ketone salts
People taking ketone salts have reported less brain fog and fewer memory lapses, improved focus and mental clarity. Also, improved sleep, more energy, and fewer aches and pains related to inflammation.
Many people have reported substantial fat loss, especially when combined with a low-carb, higher-healthy-fat diet, and without hunger. Ketones can suppress appetite and encourage fat loss by reducing glucose and insulin levels and stimulating fat breakdown. By encouraging fat burning, ketones help preserve muscle.
World class athletes and body builders use ketone salts to enhance physical performance and improve body composition (less fat, more muscle).
The research
In 2025, at least 28 clinical trials of ketone salts are complete or in progress to study effects in healthy young and older adults, and effects on the blood pressure, the heart, and the kidneys. Ketone salts are also undergoing studies for Alzheimer’s prevention, heart failure, fitness, exercise performance, obesity/weight loss, type 2 diabetes, migraines, PTSD, and for specific rare gene mutations.
Graphic abstract from St Pierre, Frontiers in Physiology, Oct 21, 2024.
Dr. Stephen Cunnane and group at Sherbrooke University in Canada confirmed that, after taking ketone salts, ketone levels increase significantly not just in the brain, but also in the heart and kidneys. Cunnane’s group recently completed their study called BRain Energy Activation With Ketones to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease which will hopefully be published soon.
Dr. Dominic D’Agostino and Dr. Csilla Ari continue to study ketone salts intensively at the University of South Florida. Read Dr. Ari’s article, for more information on the beneficial effects of ketone salts on the brain, aging, and neurodegenerative disease.
Safety
The ketone betahydroxybutyrate (BHB) is produced naturally in the from fat and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration. The other mineral components of ketone salts — sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium — are naturally present in the blood and other tissues. And there are minimum daily requirements for intake of these important minerals. Taking ketone salts is one way to ensure meeting the requirements.
How ketone salts compare with ketone esters
Taking ketone esters increases blood ketone levels much higher than taking the same amount of BHB as ketone salts. Also, by comparison, there are limits to how much ketone salts one should take in a day based on how much sodium and potassium the product contains (see Important Considerations below).
Ketone salts diluted with water generally taste better than ketone esters, which have a unique vinegary taste. An exception is Qitone (a ketone ester) which is a flavorless powder. Ketone salts can be diluted with water alone, but some products come as instant teas, coffees, cocoa, and broths. Flavors include chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and many fruit flavors. And some have added protein, MCT oil, and/or vitamins.
Pricewise, ketone esters generally cost more than ketone salts per gram of ketones. Once again, the exception is Qitone (a ketone ester).
Want a stronger option? Look at Ketone Esters for Alzheimer’s & Brain Health
How to use ketone salts
Older adults and people with medical conditions are advised to consult with their physician before taking ketone salts.
A young healthy person might take a full serving of ketone salts right away and consider increasing to two servings per day.
For older adults or people with chronic medical conditions, after getting doctor’s approval, I suggest (not to be taken as medical advice):
- Start with 1 or 2 teaspoons of ketone salts powder, diluted with water, once or twice a day
- Increase gradually to 1/2 to 1 serving once or twice daily, as tolerated.
- Drink plenty of water or other clear fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Talk with your doctor about monitoring your blood electrolytes, blood glucose, calcium, and magnesium levels.
I do not recommend ketone salts for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, since safety is uncertain for the fetus and newborn. Also, pregnant and lactating women, and the newborn who is strictly breastfed are naturally in ketosis. It is unlikely that ketone salts would provide additional benefit except in some rare medical conditions. In that case, a doctor’s supervision is necessary.
Important considerations
As with any nutritional supplement, it is important for older people and people with medical conditions to consult with their physician before using ketone salts.
- If you take diuretics or tend to have swollen ankles or water retention, ketone esters may be a better choice than ketone salts since they contain much less sodium and potassium.
- Ketone salts can have a diuretic effect. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to avoid dehydration.
- Nearly all ketone salts contain sodium and potassium which the body needs. However, taking more sodium or potassium than your body needs could lead to an electrolyte imbalance. For example, most ketone salts per serving contain at least 390 mg and may contain more than 1000 mg of sodium. Taking a product high in potassium could increase blood levels excessively in someone who is already taking a potassium supplement.
- Always discuss taking ketone salts with your doctor before starting.
- Ask your doctor to check your serum electrolytes before starting and 3 to 6 weeks later.
- Look for lower sodium ketone salts products and factor the sodium content into your daily sodium intake.
Some people with high blood pressure are sensitive to sodium. Monitor your blood pressure at least daily; if your blood pressure increases, stop ketone salts immediately and consult with your doctor.- Blood glucose can decrease by 10-20 mg/dL for a couple of hours after taking ketone salts. People who take medications for diabetes should consult with their physician before starting ketone salts and should monitor their blood glucose closely when taking ketone salts.
Is it necessary to measure ketone levels?
Blood Ketone (Keto Mojo) & Walgreen’s Glucose Monitors
Probably not, for most people. Ketone salts generally increase ketone levels by about 0.5-1.5 mM depending on the amount. There is minimal chance that taking ketone salts would increase the levels high enough to cause ketoacidosis unless you also take large doses of a ketone ester at or near the same time or are consuming a strict very-low-carb ketogenic diet.
I like to monitor my ketone and blood glucose levels when testing out a new product. The Keto-Mojo device can check both with separate ketone and glucose strips. With practice, it is possible to switch out the strips and get readings for ketones and glucose from the same finger prick. An alternative is to set up a second inexpensive glucose monitor.
Continuous glucose monitors placed on the skin for 2 weeks at a time are already available and continuous ketone monitors should be coming to the market soon.
Where to find more information
For more information, please read my articles “Ketone Salts Explained” and “Using Ketone Salts in the Elderly and People with Medical Conditions”.
For even more information, check out my book The Complete Book of Ketones: A Practical Guide to Ketogenic Diets and Ketone Supplements. Ketones and ketone salts for Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment are discussed in all of my books!
Where to find ketone salts
Small commissions from Amazon and other products help support this website.
Pruvit Ventures was the first company to bring ketone supplements to the market in 2016. Pruvit’s strengths are their educational approach to training promoters and constant addition of new flavors.
Ketone salts are now available from many companies in stores and online. One of my favorites is KetoStart from Audacious Nutrition which has caffeinated and decaf ketone salts and smaller amounts of ketone salts in instant coffee, instant tea, and cocoa (my personal favorite).
In my opinion, the best products contain a balanced blend of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium salts which could lessen the risk of electrolyte imbalance. Both Pruvit and KetoStart contain a balanced blend.
Pruvit KetoNat 20-Serving Variety Pack
Pruvit Ketone Salts
The Main Advantage: Constantly adding new flavors and bringing back seasonal favorites to reduce boredom. Most products are artificially sweetened, and some products contain MCT oil powder, protein, and/or vitamins.
The Taste: Comparable to other sports drinks. Some flavors are creamy or work well with added milk or cream. There are flavors for every taste preference.
The Cost: Higher cost per gram of ketones than many other products due to multi-level network marketing. The exact amount of ketones (BHB) is not listed on the package but is probably about 5-8 grams per serving or about to $0.77 to $1.39 per gram of ketones.
20-Serving Fan Favorite Variety Pack $139 (22% lower with monthly smartship)
Also, look for KetoKreme which is a flavored blend of coconut oil and MCT oils powders; KetoUp which is a carbonated beverage containing BHB; and Bone Broth ketone salts.
KetoStart from Audacious Nutrition
*New versions coming soon – available for pre-order with 12 grams ketones per serving, 20 servings per box, more subtle flavoring, and more competitive pricing at about $0.23 per gram of ketones. New price will be $55 per box for 20 servings.
The Main Advantage: About double the amount of ketones per serving and lower cost per gram of ketones compared to other popular brands.
The Taste: Light tropical/citrus with and without caffeine
The Cost: Current version about $0.60 per gram of ketones; new version $0.23 per gram for pre-orders.
10-serving box $59.90
Left to right – KetoSpike Coffee, Tea, and Cocoa from Audacious Nutrition
Other ketone salt products from Audacious Nutrition include KetoSpike Instant Coffee, KetoSpike Instant Tea (lemon-flavored), and KetoSpike Cocoa, each with 3 grams of ketones per packet.
Explore Options to Boost Ketone Levels
How Ketones Help Alzheimer’s & Memory (Overview)
Coconut, MCT oil, Ketones for Brain Health
Pair Coconut & MCT Oil with a Low-Carb or Keto Diet
Consider Ketone Esters for rapid therapeutic ketosis
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Also on this website:
Videos/Podcasts
Articles by Dr. Newport
Ketone Research Articles
Ketone Supplements
Books & Keto Monitors
Supplies for Caregivers
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