NCT07097506 · Washington University School of Medicine
Effect of Ketone Esters on Liver Fat Content and Metabolic Function
(JV)
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether ingestion of a ketone ester drink helps improve liver health and blood glucose control. Ketones are a type of energy source made by the body during times of weight loss, low carbohydrate intake and starvation.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether ingestion of a ketone ester drink helps improve liver health and blood glucose control. Ketones are a type of energy source made by the body during times of weight loss, low carbohydrate intake and starvation. People enrolled in this study will be randomly assigned (by chance, like the flip of a coin) to one of two groups: Group 1: Ketone ester drink consumed daily for 6 weeks. Group 2: Placebo drink consumed daily for 6 weeks.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age: ≥18 and ≤25 years;
- BMI 25.0 - 44.9 kg/m2;
- Intrahepatic triglyceride content \>5% assessed by using magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF).
Exclusion criteria
- HbA1C ≥6.5%;
- taking dietary supplements or medications known to affect our study outcomes including corticosteroids and other drugs associated with steatosis (metformin use will be allowable if participants have taken a stable dose for at least 3 months without any gastrointestinal-related symptoms);
- active eating disorder, any anaphylactic food allergy and/or consuming a very-low-carbohydrate (\<50 g/day) diet;
- Fibroscan controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score \<240 dB/m assessed within last 2 months before entering the study;
- recent (\<2 months) history of moderate-severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or other significant gastrointestinal symptoms;
- consume tobacco products, excessive alcohol (females: \>14 drinks/week; males: \>21 drinks/week), or illegal drugs determined by medical history;
- evidence of significant active organ system dysfunction, liver disease other than MASLD (e.g., Wilson disease, viral hepatitis, inborn errors of metabolism, or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency) or cirrhosis as a results of any condition or disease;
- have had bariatric surgery or plan to have endoscopic or bariatric surgery therapy for obesity;
- have undergone organ transplantation;
- have HIV and any other type of congenital or acquired lipodystrophy;
- unwilling or unable to provide informed consent;
- major psychiatric illness;
- metal implants that are not MRI-compatible;
- pregnancy, as determined by a urine HCG screening test assessed performed at all screening, baseline testing, and follow-up visits. In addition, male and female participants of reproductive and childbearing age who wish to enroll will be required to agree to use contraception throughout the study period, and for 30 days after the last dose of C8 ketone di-ester;
- female participants who are currently lactating;
- Structured exercise: ≥75 min/wk of vigorous exercise (e.g., jogging, activity that causes heavy breathing and sweating) or ≥200 min/wk of low intensity physical activity (e.g., brisk walking);
- Unstable weight (\>3% change during the last 2 months before entering the study);
- Anemia (hemoglobin \<10.5 g/dL in females and \<11.0 g/dL in males);
- Unable or unwilling to follow the study protocol or who, for any reason, is considered an inappropriate candidate for the study by the research team.
Where
- St Louis, Missouri
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Nov 12, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations