Caffeine intake increases plasma ketones: an acute metabolic study in humans.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized trial in humans
PubMed 28177691 · doi:10.1139/cjpp-2016-0338
What was done
Researchers evaluated the acute ketogenic effect of two doses of caffeine (2.5 mg/kg and 5.0 mg/kg) administered at breakfast in 10 healthy adults.
What was found
Caffeine significantly increased ketone production in a dose-dependent manner (+88% and +116%) and raised plasma free fatty acids.
Why it matters
This study provides proof-of-concept in humans that caffeine stimulates acute ketogenesis, representing a potential dietary factor to support brain ketone availability.
Limits
The study is very small (n = 10), examines only an acute single-meal response, and does not report absolute ketone concentrations, variance measures, or long-term clinical effects.
Cited by
- supports Acute ingestion of stimulants such as caffeine produces a lipolytic effect that elevates circulating free fatty acid levels in the blood.