STAK STUDY
CURRENTLY RECRUITING
Variations in Ketone Metabolism (VKM) [STAK-VKM]
This study is being done to see how individuals respond to a ketone ester across different age groups and health statuses. With the ketogenic diet becoming more popular, research on ketones (a molecule created when fat is broken down in the body) has grown as well. It is now possible to increase blood levels of ketones by ingesting them directly instead of decreasing the carbohydrates you eat or fasting for a long time. When ketones are consumed, they are quickly absorbed and increase blood levels of ketones, even in those who are not eating a very low-carbohydrate diet. Since they are so new, very little work has been done to show what level of ketone supplements are best for individual people. These findings will be used to help develop future research studies and help others to pick the right doses of ketone supplement.
To participate, fill our the interest form on our clinical trials page
CENTER DETAILS
Participants: Adults ages 20-70
Location: The Buck Institute, Novato | The Ohio State University
Dates: Study starts at The Buck in October 2023 and will run through October 2025 (planned)
Duration: Participation in the study will last approximately 1-2 weeks
Compensation: Compensation of up to $50 is offered for the completion of this study
Status: Currently recruiting
Sponsor: The Department of Defense
Links: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05924295
ID: NCT05924295
Study type: Open label, single-arm, observational study
Participants: 400 total (100 at the Buck, 300 at OSU)
Last updated: Dec 2, 2024
Number of visits
- One screening visit in clinic
- 1 study visit
List of study procedures:
- Medical history
- Height, weight, waist circumference
- Body composition testing using electrical impedance
- Fingerstick blood testing
- Submaximal, 6-minute bicycle test
- Study questionnaires
- Urine collection
- Consume standard meals before testing
- Consume study product during testing
IV cannula inserted for repeated blood sampling
You may be eligible if you…
- are between ages 20-70 years
- do NOT smoke or have diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, or any form of endocrine dysfunction
- have not experienced >10% weight loss in the last 6 months
- do not currently consume a low carbohydrate diet
- do not consume alcohol more than 3 drinks daily or 18 drinks weekly
- do not suffer from food allergies or gastrointestinal disorders
You might not be eligible if you…
- you live in a setting where you receive assistance with your activities of daily living
- your medical history, medication/supplement list or screening blood tests show a condition or recent changes that means that the medical officer decides it is not safe for you to participate
- you have a cognitive condition that means you cannot give informed consent to take part
- you have an allergy to milk or soy
- you follow a strict diet (such as ketogenic diet)
We are no longer recruiting:
- 20-29 year old non-diabetic men and women
- 30-39 year old non-diabetic women
- 50-59 year old non-diabetic women
- 60-69 year old non-diabetic men and women
- 60-69 year old pre-diabetic women
John Newman, MD, PhD
John Newman, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and an Associate Professor in the Division of Geriatrics at University of California San Francisco (UCSF). His career goal is to translate our expanding understanding of aging biology to improve the care and help maintain the independence of older adults. His research at the Buck Institute studies the molecular details of how diet and fasting regulate the genes and pathways that in turn control aging, focusing on the ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate and how its molecular signaling activities involving epigenetics and inflammation regulate aging and memory in mice. Dr. Newman is also a geriatrician at UCSF who cares for hospitalized older adults, focusing on preserving mobility and preventing delirium.
Brianna Stubbs, PhD
Dr. Stubbs is a world expert in exogenous ketone metabolism and its implications for performance, resilience and health-span. She completed her PhD in Metabolic Physiology at the University of Oxford, studying the metabolism and the application of exogenous ketone salts and esters. Whilst completing her studies, she competed on the British International Rowing Team, and was a two-time World Champion lightweight athlete. Brianna is currently Lead Translational Scientist in the Business Development Team at The Buck Institute for Research on Aging where she is focused on the translation of ketone body research into consumer products and drugs that target healthy aging.
