Mark Turnbull
Jun 44 min
Introduction
In the early 2000s, DARPA, the US military's research and innovation agency, sought nutritional ways to enhance the performance of their elite forces, who operate under extreme stress. They needed a compound that could boost both physical and mental performance.
Ketones emerged as a promising solution. The liver naturally produces ketones during food scarcity, a significant stressor throughout human evolution. Ketones helped our ancestors stay sharp and fit while seeking food after days of starvation. However, inducing ketosis through starvation wasn't practical for fighters, so DARPA collaborated with NIH and the University of Oxford to create a ketone drink. This drink could elevate blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels to 2-3 mM within 20 minutes, levels typically seen after two days of fasting.
Today, thanks to deltaG, this ketone drink is available to everyone, not just the military. This blog explores how ketones can enhance athletic performance, metabolism, cognition, and longevity.
Endurance Performance
Improved Mitochondrial Efficiency
Endurance athletes know the importance of mitochondria, the energy-producing powerhouses of cells. Mitochondria oxidise fatty acids, glucose, or ketones to generate ATP, fuelling muscle contraction. A seminal 1995 study showed ketone oxidation results in remarkably efficient ATP production.
Ketones enable muscles to contract more powerfully with less oxygen. For example, a perfused rat heart fuelled by ketones and glucose was 28% more efficient than one fuelled by glucose alone. Ketones also produce less oxidative stress, akin to cleaner combustion in a car engine.
While the physiology of a perfused rat heart differs from a human athlete, studies show ketones also improve mitochondrial efficiency in humans. Endurance athletes who consumed deltaG performed better, utilising less oxygen during intense cycling exercises.
Glycogen Sparing
Glycogen sparing is another key benefit of ketones. Endurance athletes fear "hitting the wall" when muscle glycogen depletes. A 2022 study revealed that muscle performance declines significantly when glycogen is only halfway depleted. Ketones help spare glycogen, delaying its use during early stages of exercise and preserving more for later, providing a competitive edge.
A 2016 study showed athletes who consumed a deltaG and carbohydrate mixture preserved significantly more glycogen during a two-hour cycling session. Athletes cycled further and performed better with deltaG, demonstrating ketones' ability to enhance endurance performance.
High-Intensity Performance
Ketones also benefit high-intensity exercise. A 2022 study found rugby players completed a high-intensity test 2.1% faster after consuming deltaG. This improvement highlights ketones' potential in sports like the NFL and NHL.
Post-Exercise Recovery
Ketones evolved to help us survive starvation, preserving muscle mass by preventing protein breakdown. This makes ketones an excellent aid for post-exercise recovery. A 2017 study showed that combining deltaG with a protein shake increased mTOR protein expression, a key regulator of muscle protein synthesis. Athletes who consumed deltaG had higher rates of muscle protein synthesis, enhancing recovery and muscle growth.
Cognition in Sports
Cognitive function is critical in sports requiring split-second decisions. The brain prefers ketones as an energy source, especially when glucose is scarce. A 2022 study found that deltaG improved cognitive performance during and after exercise. Participants who consumed deltaG performed better on reaction tests, showing fewer errors compared to a control group.
Conclusion
Ketones, a natural super fuel, offer significant benefits for athletic performance, recovery, and cognitive function. Backed by science, deltaG provides a competitive edge for endurance and high-intensity athletes.
References
3. Cahill Jr, G.F. "Fuel metabolism in starvation." *Annu. Rev. Nutr.*, 2006.
5. Sies, H., et al. "Oxidative stress." *Annual review of biochemistry*, 2017.