Can ketones help with Brain Fog caused by Covid?

One of the typical adverse effects of long covid, brain fog might linger even months after infection.  According to a published scientific study from the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences., two to three months after Covid infection, 20-30% of people may still experience brain fog,

People recuperating from a Covid-19 infection frequently have memory and concentration issues in addition to weariness, loss of smell, muscle aches and shortness of breath. Although it is a common term among patients, brain fog, itself, is not a recognized medical condition. For those who experience it, however, Brain Fog impacts quality of life.

Recent studies theorize that Covid-19 infection may generate substantial and chronic inflammation in the brain that dysregulates brain cells and would be predicted to contribute to cognitive impairment, even though the specific cause is unclear. A recent study published in Nature Aging hypothesized that COVID-19 might lead to molecular signatures like aging.

Research using ketone esters and salts has revealed the potential of the ketone D-BHB to support brain health and for treatment of chronic metabolic conditions such as diabetes and dementia. Kenetik, a functional beverage produced by VitaNav Inc., is a new category of ketone product using a patented blend of D-BHB and R-1,3BD, or a blend of bioidentical ketones and may help those looking to stay on ketone as an additional tool to help clear “covid brain fog”, in addition to its proven value as a functional beverage.

Ketogenic diets allow the body to produce ketones, while supplements like Kenetik introduce them directly into the body. Ketones are molecular signaling bodies that influence gene expression. The gene expression they provide can improve the expression of brain energy in hypometabolic (low energy use) structures, reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and improve neurotransmitter balance. While that is not a cure, these effects could reduce the fog.

The trouble is that ketogenic diets require a great deal of effort and significant changes in lifestyle, and consumers find ketone drinks’ taste and tolerability limit their long-term use.

In a recent clinical study, led by Dr. Jonathan P. Little of the University of British Columbia, he studied existing ketone products containing either ketone salts or ketone esters. The study looked at the effects of each product on circulating ketone levels, glucose levels, gastrointestinal distress and supplement acceptability.

Dr. Little’s team wrote, “While both forms of exogenous ketones are utilized extensively for research purposes, they do present with potential side effects and concerns that can make adhering to a longer-term supplement regimen challenging. Ketone salts lead to a high occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms, while currently, available ketone monoesters have a bitter and unpleasant taste.”

Dr. Little and his team concluded that the findings from their double-blind, randomized, cross-over pilot study support Kenetik’s “use in future research aiming to explore the feasibility of prolonged ketone supplementation in the real world.”

According to Devon Price, co-founder of VitaNav, makers of Kenetik, remarked, “For years, scientists have been learning about the exciting functional benefits of ketones. Ketones are thought to be a more efficient fuel source for your brain than glucose, which is the standard energy source for your body. These elevated levels of energy can help your brain to function at its best since it can use that energy almost immediately. We believe Kenetik would be a great tool for those looking to overcome brain fog and or improve their overall brain health and at the same time continue to use it long term because it tastes good too.”