There some buzz at the moment about keto supplements and the keto diet. Exogenous ketone supplements were first introduced into the market around 2014.
Like many other supplements there is some misinformation and misconception about them.
We aim to dispel the myths about ketone supplements and give you the information you need to help you choose the best keto supplements to help you on your keto journey.
We have a comprehensive keto supplement buying guide that covers the advantages and potential side effects of using exogenous keto supplements.
We also have some information about their proper use and dosage, and our recommendations for the best keto supplements.
We take a look at the different types of keto supplements and how they are best used to complement your keto diet.
If you are new to the keto diet you can find out more about how it works here.
The Best Keto Supplements
| Image | Supplement | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Perfect Keto Exogenous Ketones: Base BHB Salts Supplement | Buy Now | |
Top | Keto Drive Exogenous Ketone Performance Complex - BHB Salts | Buy Now | |
Top | Perfect Keto MCT Oil C8 Powder | Buy Now | |
Top | Keto Vitals Electrolyte Capsules | Buy Now | |
 | Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Hydration Powder | No Results |
What are Ketone Bodies
Ketones are an alternative source of fuel to glucose. They have a small molecular structure and weight.
They are organic compounds composed of a middle carbon atom bound to one oxygen atom and two substituents that contain carbon.
These water-soluble molecules are secreted by the liver during the following circumstances: fasting, a low carb diet, and long-term exercise.
There are three types of ketone bodies that can be produced in the body: acetone, acetoacetic acid, and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB).
These are known as endogenous ketone bodies.
BHB is technically not a ketone but its function is similar to ketones because it transforms into energy just like acetone and acetoacetate.
Ketone bodies are produced in the liver and are used by the body as the primary source of fuel when there is an insufficient intake of carbs and glucose.
Ketone supplements, also known as exogenous ketone bodies, are a nutritional supplement that you take that can assist you to get your body into ketosis.
Most of these supplements are composed of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), but there are others.
Keto Supplements – A Buying Guide
Since their introduction in 2014, the number of ketone supplements available has grown dramatically.
Many will claim that their ketone supplement is the best and most effective, but some of them do not contain the right amount of ketones and even have fillers, artificial ingredients, and other useless components.
Some ‘ketone’ supplements don’t contain any ketone bodies at all and some are even processed in unsafe laboratories.
Let’s take a look at what to look for in a good keto supplement and how to choose the best ones.
Whatever nutritional diet you plan to use it is important to choose wisely.
What you eat affects your body, your mood, and your overall health, and putting the wrong food and supplements into your body will affect your health over time.
When it comes to keto supplements here are some things to look for:
Ingredients
For a keto supplement to be effective it should have the right type of ketones for your needs.
It should also be made up with other ingredients that are natural rather than processed fillers.
There are many supplements that claim to be all natural, but in fact, they’re not. Carefully check labels and read the ingredients so you know what you are buying
Price
Ketone supplements do not have to break the bank. The most effective and better quality products do tend to be more expensive. Like with most things, you get what you pay for.
You can find a good ketone supplement without any artificial ingredients for around $40 to $60.
Keep in mind that some products claim to be the best selling supplement but they don’t really work for the keto diet.
We suggest buying the best quality supplement that you can afford.
Certifications
Check your supplements for any kind of official certifications. Some supplements will go through third-party testing, a counterpart of certifications.
Third party testing is voluntary and the manufacturers pay for it, which can be a little expensive for them.
Some manufacturers, instead of paying for the testing, spend money on professional-looking labels to support their marketing.
Be aware of any certifications that manufacturers claim and do your own research do determine whether they are legit.
Keto Supplement Types
Ketone supplements can come in either liquid or powder form.
Often, they don’t have the best flavor to start with so many will have additional ingredients to help make them more palatable.
Powdered keto supplements tend to have a more tolerable flavor while also being the most portable.
Both a liquid and a powder can be easily mixed with other beverages such as coffee, protein shakes, juice, and more.
When you mix the keto supplement with your morning coffee and some MCT oil it can give you a great energy boost that will last throughout the day.
It also helps to improve your mental function and focus.
Remember to keep your body hydrated as keto supplements can cause an electrolyte imbalance in the body and induce the dreaded keto flu.
How Do Ketone Supplements Work?
Ketone supplements provide the body with an immediate supply of ketone bodies. When taken in conjunction with a low carb diet they can help your body get into ketosis quickly.
Ketosis is a metabolic state where the body burns fat as the primary source of fuel.
Since the body is starved of carbohydrates, which are the normal source of fuel, it instead switches to burning the stored fats for fuel or energy.
This usually leads to weight loss and a host of other benefits, like lowered blood glucose levels and improved mental focus.
Many people have the misconception that ketone supplements are an immediate solution to weight loss – they are not.
They only help to induce ketosis. If your body is using fat as a fuel source it doesn’t automatically mean you’re going to lose weight or reduce your body fat percentage.
Your weight loss will also depend on other factors such as the amount of protein and fat you eat, whether you are eating at a caloric deficit, and how much lean body mass you have now.
For many people, the ketogenic diet is a great way to lose weight. You don’t have to starve yourself, rather you only need to reduce your carb intake.
Ketone supplements can help you get into ketosis and aid your weight loss efforts.
The Benefits of Ketosis for Weight Loss
- An increase in the amount of fat burned.
- Regulating the hormones responsible for constraining the clearing of the stomach.
- Regulating blood sugar as you eat more vegetables, healthy fats, and protein.
- Reducing your appetite so you need to eat less.
- Decreasing hunger and more energy.
Potential Side Effects of Ketone Supplements
Just like with other kinds of supplements, ketone supplements come with some potential side effects after ingesting them.
The good news is that they are not that serious and tend to improve as your body gets used to them. Among the usual side effects are:
Keto Breath
When the body is in ketosis it breaks down fats which cause bad breath. Although it can’t be prevented it won’t hurt you and usually does not last for long.
You can chew low carb gum or mints to help hide this undesirable odor.
Electrolyte Imbalance
When transitioning into ketosis your body tends to have lower water retention and results in frequent urination.
This results in a loss of electrolytes like sodium and potassium. To prevent electrolyte imbalance you need to drink more water or take an electrolyte solution.
Some of the keto supplements also have electrolytes added to help keep the body hydrated.
Keto Flu
The keto flu refers to a number of symptoms that can come with the beginnings of ketosis.
It includes flu-like symptoms such as headaches, low energy, bloating, fatigue, brain fog, and irritability.
How to Take Ketone Supplements
Ketone supplements are intended to be taken while on a low carb or keto diet. Carbohydrates are usually the body’s major source of fuel for energy.
When in ketosis, your body is burning ketones and fat as an energy source. Ketone supplements improve the ability of the body to burn fats by converting these fats into fuel.
When you choose to include ketone supplements in your diet do it slowly. Give your body the time it needs to adjust to a new diet.
Ketone supplements can also come with undesirable effects such as bloating, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems, especially when if take them in high dosages.
You should use these as a supplement only, not instead of dieting. They will not work as intended if you continue to eat a high carb diet.
Staying on a diet requires dedication and discipline. There are times that you will be focused and other times you may slip and want to eat more than you should.
Ketone supplements are a great tool to help you after you have a high-carb slip. They help to maintain nutritional ketosis or to get back into ketosis after you have fallen out.
The typical keto diet macronutrient ratio is 4g of fat to 1g of protein or carbs. With ketone supplements, this ratio can drop as low as 1g of fat to 1g of protein or carbs.
So they are helpful for those who struggle to reach the high-fat targets that keto requires.
Low carb diets required for medical reasons can be very difficult for some people who are used to a high-carb diet.
Keto supplements can help make the transition to low-carb less difficult.
It is also a better lifestyle that is often recommended for people with type 2 diabetes, cancer, or epilepsy.
Keto Diet Supplements
We have found some of the best keto supplements for you to try out to help support your diet.
The following are not exogenous ketone supplements but are excellent supplements for those on the keto diet for a number of reasons.
You can use these in addition to an exogenous ketone supplement, or to assist your body in the transition to ketosis, or to help if you are feeling some of the effects of the keto flu, to help you get back on track.
Keto Vitals Electrolyte Capsules
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Keto Vitals is an electrolyte supplement that can be used to help replenish what you lose when transitioning into ketosis.
It is made with premium ingredients including 350 mg sodium chloride, 99 mg potassium chloride, 200 mg magnesium chloride hexahydrate, and 100 mg calcium carbonate.
Replenishing your electrolytes will help your body function properly even when on a low carb diet and engaging in intense exercise.
A loss of electrolytes can cause sleep troubles, muscle pain and cramps, fatigue, and brain fog.
Benefits
- Premium ingredients
- Can relieve or eliminate keto flu symptoms
- Gives you more energy
- Supplies the body with lost electrolytes
- Enhances mood
- Improves muscle growth
Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder
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Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder is an all natural coconut oil with 30% C10 and 70% C8 processed in a GMP facility to guarantee the right ratio of ingredients and to prevent contamination.
Another active ingredient included is acacia fiber, which is also an antibiotic and helps to reduce inflammation in the body.
It does not contain fillers, additives, or cornstarch. Since it comes in a powder, it can be easily mixed with your favorite beverages like juice, coffee, protein shakes, and more.
Perfect Keto MCT Oil Powder is a keto-friendly supplement.
It regulates blood sugar, decreases cravings for food, and boosts mental performance and body energy.
It supports and improves ketosis so that your body burns stored fats as fuel or energy so you can lose weight.
Benefits
- Pure coconut oil
- Added acacia fiber
- Regulates blood sugar
- Reduces appetite
- Boosts energy and mental function
- Keto-friendly
- No additives or fillers
- GMP processed
- BPA free
- Unflavored
- Easy to mix
Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Powder
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Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Powder supports the electrolyte needs of the body while on a keto diet.
As discussed above, one of the side effects of ketone supplements is an electrolyte imbalance.
It is important to keep your body hydrated and drink an electrolyte solution to keep you energized throughout the day.
Although not a ketone supplement, this Ultima Electrolyte Powder supports the keto diet by replenishing lost electrolytes.
It is made of 6 electrolytes plus support minerals that not only hydrate but also support muscle recovery.
It is sweetened with real fruit extracts and does not contain artificial sugar, carbs, maltodextrin, or gluten.
Benefits
- 6 electrolytes and support minerals
- No artificial ingredients
- Keto-friendly
- All natural
- No GMO
- Hydrates
- Supports muscle recovery
- Regulated temperature
Summary
Ketosis is a metabolic state in which the body burns fat for its primary source of energy.
The body has insufficient carbs or glucose when in ketosis so it converts the fat instead of glucose which leads to weight loss.
Ketone supplements can be used to provide an additional amount of ketone bodies so that your body can get into ketosis quickly and help maintain it.
Exogenous keto supplements are composed of BHB, a ketone body normally produced by the liver.
These ketones are organic compounds with a small molecular weight and structure and are used as an alternative source of energy when the body is starved of glucose or carbohydrates.
Many people believe that ketone supplements instantly burn fats that lead to immediate weight loss. This is not true.
These supplements help induce ketosis and provide ketone bodies for the body to burn for energy.
Taking ketone supplements doesn’t automatically mean that you will immediately lose weight. It still depends on the kind of food you eat, the amount of protein and fat you take in, and several other factors.
A good effective ketone supplement is composed of pure, natural ingredients without any fillers, cornstarch, or other artificial ingredients.
It is processed in a GMP facility to ensure that ingredients are in the right proportions and no impurities are found in the product.
It’s also worth noting that ketone supplements may come with side effects. One of them is halitosis, or bad breath, which can be tolerable. It’s not serious and will often only last a short while. You can chew a breath mint when you need to hide it.
Another potential side effect is the keto flu which includes a number of symptoms like headaches, low energy, fatigue, irritability, and bloating.
Other keto-friendly supplements include electrolyte supplements that help replenish the electrolytes lost during a keto diet and intense exercise.
Our picks for these are Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Powder and the Keto Vitals Electrolytes Supplement. You can also supplement your keto diet with MCT oil or powder to help increase your fat intake.