Ketone ester ingestion impairs exercise performance without impacting cognitive function or circulating EPO during acute hypoxic exposure

Abstract

This study is the first to show that KE ingestion impairs exercise performance in hypoxia, at least when KE does not alleviate hypoxemia. Despite a subsequent, progressive increase in oxygenation upon KE after 3-4 h, this does not protect against hypoxia-induced cognitive declines. Although studies in normoxia show potential of KE to increase blood [erythropoietin], we identified that KE ingestion fails to augment the increase in blood [erythropoietin] through hypoxic exposure and exercise.