Functional ingredient for increased mental clarity and endurance
Geno announced the results of a new clinical trial exploring the effects of its exogenous ketone, consumed in energy bar and beverage form.
Geno launched Avela in the US in November 2022 as an ingredient for the keto, energy and fitness and wellness categories, offering consumers an accessible alternative to fasting or restrictive dieting to achieve sustained ketosis. The ingredient demonstrates the potential to disrupt the functional foods and beverages market, which is expected to reach $529.66bn by 2028 (Fortune Business Insights).
“Over the past ten years, scientists and consumers have realised that ketones are more than an emergency backup fuel,” said Brianna Stubbs, DPhil, lead translational scientist for The Buck Institute for Research on Aging.
“They are discovering the different effects ketones can have within the body. This is an energizing, exciting moment and a step forward for the industry.”
The study - published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Physiology - assessed beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels and tolerability in human subjects following the consumption of Avela. Elevated BHB levels in the human body have been scientifically reported as providing benefits of increased energy, mental clarity and support for improved athletic endurance.
The study results provide further support that Avela is effective at raising BHB levels and generating on-demand ketosis within 30 minutes of ingestion. The ingredient induced and maintained ketosis for up to five hours when administered orally in a three-dose process. The study group of 26 people achieved peak BHB blood levels of 2.1 +/- 0.97 mmol/L one hour after consuming Avela and reported no significant side effects or adverse events.
After the final dose of Avela was administered, the cohort remained in ketosis for four hours, demonstrating a sustained elevation of BHB as an energy source.
The clinical trial demonstrates the value of Avela as an effective method for raising BHB levels in humans to achieve nutritional ketosis.
“In this study, Avela demonstrated good tolerability when taken in accordance with GRAS guidelines,” said Dr James Lowder, hematologist oncologist and study principal investigator.
“The results tell us we can consider (R)-1,3-Butanediol effective at producing blood ketone levels comparable to those achieved through the diet alone.”
Study:
Authors: James Lowder, Carolina Venditti, Kathy Musa-Veloso and Vassili Kotlov
Front. Physiol., 28 June 2023, Sec. Metabolic Physiology, Volume 14 - 2023
doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1195702