Understanding the Role of Ketones in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Management
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder characterized by neuroinflammation and demyelination within the central nervous system (CNS). The etiology and pathogenesis of MS are still unknown, and research on treatments and management approaches are still evolving. However, recent research has shown that ketones, an alternative energy source for cells, may have therapeutic potential in managing MS symptoms.
What are Ketones?
Ketones are organic compounds produced by the liver during ketosis, a metabolic state achieved naturally through reduced carbohydrate intake. These chemical compounds serve as an alternative energy source to glucose for cells to make ATP.
Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB): The primary circulating ketone in the human body is betahydroxybutyrate (BHB), which exists as D/L isomers. The D-isomer is the naturally occurring form, more effectively transported across the blood-brain barrier, and metabolically active in human cells.
Exogenous Ketones: Ketones can be consumed exogenously to achieve the benefits of ketosis without the requirement of being in a fasted or low-carbohydrate state. For optimal bioavailability, it is recommended to look for a combined formulation of the D-BHB and the precursor molecule 1-3R Butanediol, which encourages your body's natural ketone production.
How Do Ketones Work?
Ketones work by providing an alternative energy source for cells, bypassing glycolysis and delivering ATP faster when cells are struggling. This is particularly beneficial in MS, where cells are often in an "energy crisis" due to inflammatory damage to mitochondria and compromised glucose metabolism.
Ketones also have anti-inflammatory effects, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and modulating immune responses via NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition.
Exogenous ketones have shown promise in treating neuroinflammatory conditions, including MS. Research suggests that ketones may support remyelination in MS through HDAC inhibition, direct support of oligodendrocytes, growth factor production, and reduction of inhibitory factors.
Therapeutic Applications of Exogenous Ketones in MS
Exogenous ketones have shown promise in treating neuroinflammatory conditions, including MS. The primary mechanisms of action of exogenous ketones in MS involve providing an alternative energy source for cells, reducing inflammation, modulating immune responses, and supporting remyelination.
Providing an Alternative Energy Source
Exogenous ketones provide an alternative energy source for cells, bypassing glycolysis and delivering ATP faster when cells are struggling. This is particularly beneficial in MS, where cells are often in an "energy crisis" due to inflammatory damage to mitochondria and compromised glucose metabolism. By providing an alternative energy source, exogenous ketones may help maintain cellular function and reduce oxidative stress.
Reducing Inflammation and Modulating Immune Responses
Exogenous ketones have anti-inflammatory effects, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and modulating immune responses via NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition. This is particularly beneficial in MS, where inflammation is a key driver of disease progression. By reducing inflammation, exogenous ketones may help protect myelin from further damage and promote remyelination.
Supporting Remyelination
Exogenous ketones may support remyelination in MS through HDAC inhibition, direct support of oligodendrocytes, growth factor production, and reduction of inhibitory factors. By promoting remyelination, exogenous ketones may help improve cognitive function and reduce disability in MS patients.
Dosing Strategies for Exogenous Ketones in MS
Optimal Dosing Approaches
Dosing strategies for exogenous ketones in MS vary depending on the application, with levels ranging from 20g to 80g per day based on therapeutic need and symptom severity.
It is recommended to sip ketones continuously throughout the day and emphasize use during times of increased fatigue or post-exercise recovery.
Integration with Other Treatments
Exogenous ketones can complement ketogenic diets, intermittent fasting, immunomodulating medications, physical/occupational therapy, stress management approaches, and nutritional interventions in MS management. Safety considerations include contraindications for uncontrolled diabetes, severe metabolic disorders, pregnancy, and active eating disorders.
Ketones, particularly BHB, have shown therapeutic potential in managing MS symptoms by providing an alternative energy source for cells, reducing inflammation, and modulating immune responses. While clinical evidence is limited, the available data suggest that exogenous ketones may be a useful adjunctive therapy for MS patients. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which ketones improve MS disease course and to determine the optimal dosing strategies and integration with other treatments.
Why KenetikPro Clinical Ketones?
KenetikPro is the first ketone supplement designed specifically for clinical use to provide the essential support needed when traditional energy pathways are compromised.
Sustained Energy
By offering an alternative energy substrate, KenetikPro helps maintain brain function and reduce fatigue, promoting faster recovery and improved overall well-being.
Key Advantages:
Improved Focus
Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to improved cognition and focus.
Proactive Brain Health
Feeding the brain the energy it needs helps reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Rapid & Sustained Ketone Boost: A fast rise in ketones from free BHB plus a longer-lasting release from R-1,3-butanediol delivers both immediate and extended metabolic impact. Clinical dosing at 20g per ounce enables high-concentration delivery in a small volume.
Affordability Without Compromise: Pure ketone esters are often pricey, limiting broader, longterm use. Blending free BHB and R-1,3-butanediol allows KenetikPro to maintain metabolic efficacy at a more accessible cost.
Improved Taste, Better Compliance: Single-ester products can have strong, bitter flavors that make them difficult to consume regularly. Blending allows for better taste profiles, improving user experience and supporting consistent use.
Clinically Formulated: Uniquely formulated for tolerability in clinical applications, KenetikPro's metabolism primarily yields D-BHB rather than toxic byproducts seen with ethanol.
Integrating KenetikPro into your client's regimen is a science-backed approach to brain health. By fueling the brain with an alternative energy source, you're not only protecting against injury and supporting recovery, you're investing in both immediate success and long-term career longevity.
For more information on how KenetikPro can become a vital part of your protocol, please feel free to reach out at support@kenetikpro.com or learn more at kenetikpro.com.
References:
Bahr, L. S., Bock, M., Liebscher, D., Bellmann-Strobl, J., Franz, L., Prüß, A., Schumann, D., Piper, S. K., Kessler, C. S., Steckhan, N., Michalsen, A., Paul, F., & Mähler, A. (2020). Ketogenic diet and fasting diet as Nutritional Approaches in Multiple Sclerosis (NAMS): protocol of a randomized controlled study. Trials , 21(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-019-3928-9
Brenton, J. N., Lehner-Gulotta, D., Woolbright, E., Banwell, B., Bergqvist, A. G. C., Chen, S., Coleman, R., Conaway, M., & Goldman, M. D. (2022). Phase II study of ketogenic diets in relapsing multiple sclerosis: safety, tolerability and potential clinical benefits. JournalofNeurology,Neurosurgery&Psychiatry . https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp-2022-329074
Brockhoff, J. D., Bereswill, S., & Heimesaat, M. M. (2023). The impact of ketogenic diet on the onset and progression of multiple sclerosis. EuropeanJournalofMicrobiologyandImmunology , 13(2), 29-36. https://doi.org/10.1556/1886.2023.00020
Di Lucente, J., Ramsey, J. J., Jin, L. W., & Maezawa, I. (2024). The impact of mild episodic ketosis on microglia and hippocampal long-term depression in 5xFAD mice. FASEBBioAdvances https://doi.org/10.1096/fba.2024-00123
Falkenhain, K., Islam, H., & Little, J. P. (2023). Exogenous ketone supplementation: an emerging tool for physiologists with potential as a metabolic therapy. ExperimentalPhysiology , 108(2), 177-187. https://doi.org/10.1113/EP090430
Lee, J. E., Titcomb, T. J., Bisht, B., Rubenstein, L. M., Louison, R., & Wahls, T. L. (2020). A modified MCT-based ketogenic diet increases plasma ³ -hydroxybutyrate but has less effect on fatigue and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis compared to a modified paleolithic diet: A waitlist-controlled, randomized pilot study. JournaloftheAmericanCollegeofNutrition , 39(1), 13-25. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2020.1734988
Neudorf, H., & Little, J. P. (2024). Impact of fasting & ketogenic interventions on the NLRP3 inflammasome: A narrative review. BiomedicalJournal , 47(1), 100677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bj.2023.100677
Omori, N. E., Malys, M. K., Woo, G., & Mansor, L. (2023). Exploring the role of ketone bodies in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. FrontiersinPsychiatry , 14 , 1142682. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1142682
Poff, A. M., Moss, S., Soliven, M., & D'Agostino, D. P. (2021). Ketone supplementation: Meeting the needs of the brain in an energy crisis. FrontiersinNutrition , 8 , 783659. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.783659
Roy, M., Fortier, M., Rheault, F., Edde, M., Croteau, E., Castellano, C. A., Langlois, F., St-Pierre, V., Cuenoud, B., Bocti, C., Fulop, T., Descoteaux, M., & Cunnane, S. C. (2021). A ketogenic supplement improves white matter energy supply and processing speed in mild cognitive impairment. Alzheimer's&Dementia:TranslationalResearch&ClinicalInterventions , 7(1), e12217. https://doi.org/10.1002/trc2.12217
de la Rubia Ortí, J. E., Cuerda-Ballester, M., Sanchis-Sanchis, C. E., Lajara Romance, J. M., Navarro-Illana, E., & García Pardo, M. P. (2023). Exploring the impact of ketogenic diet on multiple sclerosis: obesity, anxiety, depression, and the glutamate system. FrontiersinNutrition , 10 , 1227431. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1227431