Exogenous-ketones

Supplements marketed for ketogenic diets include exogenous ketones, MCT oil, and electrolyte formulas. This article examines the clinical evidence for each, what they actually do physiologically, and who may genuinely benefit from keto-specific supplementation.

Supplements marketed for ketogenic diets range from well-evidenced (electrolyte correction) to poorly supported (exogenous ketones for weight loss). This article examines each category with the available evidence and identifies which are genuinely useful and which are not.

Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) are the only supplements with clear functional need during ketogenic dieting — addressing keto flu from glycogen-associated water loss. MCT oil increases ketone production but has no fat loss advantage over equivalent calories. Exogenous ketone supplements raise blood ketones but do not substitute for dietary ketosis or produce additional fat loss. Evidence for other keto supplements is weak.