KETOSTART/ NO CAFFEINE/ TROPICAL FLAVOR KETOSTART+/ WITH CAFFEINE/ RASPBERRY LEMONADE FLAVOR
Ketone salts contain BHB bound to mineral ions, creating a balanced electrolyte formulation with a superior fuel energy molecule
The main ingredient in KETOSTART is D,L-Beta-Hydroxybutyrate /BHB/
The most abundant of the ketone bodies, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), serves as an alternative fuel source to glucose and free fatty acids. It has been demonstrated that burning ketones, such as BHB, can yield more ATP (cellular energy currency) per unit oxygen, compared to glucose. In fact,
ketones can generate 25% more energy than glucose. They have a “higher metabolic efficiency,” and have a greater “heat of combustion”, meaning they release more energy per molecule. In other words, the e.g.
muscle tissue become more efficient, requiring less O2 for the same amount of mechanical work.
In addition, when our mitochondria are hard at work supplying energy in the form of ATP, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are made, and these molecules contribute to what is called “oxidative stress,” which puts both the mitochondria and other cell components, including our DNA, at risk for damage. Ketones have been shown to suppress the production of mitochondrial ROS, as well as help our cellular antioxidant defense systems to disarm ROS before they can cause damage.
So, when people are referring to ketones as a cleaner, more superior fuel source, they are often referring to their capacity to generate greater amounts of ATP and emit less (potentially damaging) by-products naturally produced during mitochondrial energy metabolism.
BHB can also be produced outside of the body and taken as a supplement, these are called “exogenous” ketones. Normally, BHB is synthesized in the liver from fatty acids and it serves as an essential carrier of energy from the liver to peripheral tissues when the supply of glucose is too low for the body's energetic needs, such as during periods of prolonged exercise, starvation, or absence of dietary carbohydrates. Research shows that BHB is not only a passive carrier of energy, but also has cellular signaling functions. These signaling functions of BHB work at the cell surface and inside the cells too, which can affect, for example, gene expression (epigenetic gene regulation), lipid metabolism, neuronal function, and metabolic rate.
WHY DOES KETOSTART CONTAIN D,L-BHB (racemic), NOT D-BHB?
Some might claim that D-BHB is superior, compared to D,L-BHB (or often called racemic), however, there are many benefits of L-BHB, so KETOSTART contains a mix of 1 to 1 ratio D- and L-BHB.
For example, L(S)-BHB is an important molecule as signaling, anti-inflammatory and epigenetic regulator.
L (S)-BHB-CoA is a transient intermediate in the final round of β-oxidation of fatty acids. Experiments involving infusions of labeled D(R)-BHB, S-BHB, or mixtures thereof into rats or pigs found that S-BHB is converted mostly to R-BHB; the molecular pathway for this is not known, but it may occur through conversion of S-BHB to acetyl-CoA and then production of R-BHB from acetyl-CoA. At least some of the S-BHB is eventually converted to CO2, presumably also after being metabolized to acetyl-CoA.
L (S)-BHB is metabolized much more slowly than D (R)-BHB is, so that consumption of the same amount of L (S)-BHB may result in higher and more sustained blood levels of S-BHB compared with a similar consumption of D (R)-BHB.
A recent study shows an important aspect of D,L-BHB supplementation, as L‐BHB concentrations increased extensively in the brain, heart, liver, and muscle tissues, whereas a less intense increase in D‐BHB was observed only in the heart and liver.
Another way L-BHB interacts with our immune system and may lower inflammation is by directly inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which has also been shown in cell culture studies. A recent study showed that this anti-inflammatory effect occurred in the presence of both D- and L-BHB. This can have important implications when considering that L-BHB stays in the bloodstream longer, and thus greater potential for suppressing chronic systemic and neuroinflammation.
We also found D(R)-BHB ineffective for reducing seizure activity, while the mix of D,L-BHB was found effective, but certainly more scientific research is needed on this topic. This formulation was also found to be more GI tolerable.
Unfortunately, the currently available blood ketone meters are only able to detect D-BHB, and unable to measure L-BHB, so this can lead to a common misunderstanding. You actually have about twice as high BHB level in your blood than your blood ketone meter shows when you take a D,L mix BHB supplement, such as KETOSTART (as it is 1:1 ratio D and L BHB).
Read more about this topic here.
Balanced electrolytes to complement a healthy lifestyle
Ultimately, electrolytes are necessary for normal body functions, including heartbeat, brain function, muscle contraction and relaxation, and so much more. The need for supplementation increases when we cut carbs while transitioning to or following the ketogenic diet since the hormone insulin (which is suppressed on a ketogenic diet) plays a vital role in the kidney’s regulation of electrolyte levels, more specifically, sodium levels. When insulin levels fall, the kidneys retain less water and excrete more sodium in the urine, which can cause other minerals to become imbalanced. The ketogenic diet can also lead to increased water loss through glycogen loss (stored glucose). Every gram of glycogen stores around 3-4 grams of water, flushed out as glycogen is burned for energy, carrying electrolytes out with it. It is well-known that a ketogenic diet can lead to increased sodium excretion and water loss through the urine, which is associated with unwanted symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle cramps, and headaches, commonly called as “keto flu”. For this reason it is very important to replenish our electrolytes. KETOSTART will do just that, so you basically get 2 products in one: the necessary electrolytes in addition to the ketone energy molecules.
OTHER INGREDIENTS:
Sodium
Open tab
Sodium takes the spotlight when maintaining electrolyte balance while following a low-carb diet since urinary sodium loss without replacement tells the kidneys to reabsorb sodium at the expense of potassium. Sodium is also essential for proper muscle and nerve function, some studies suggest that consuming between 3-6 grams of sodium per day is optimal.
- We’ve been taught to avoid sodium because of its links to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes, but there’s evidence that salt isn’t as unhealthy as we’ve been led to believe.
- Not eating enough salt can be harmful to the body and trigger an increase in glucose, a reduction of blood flow to organs, and the loss of too much magnesium and calcium in our sweat.
- Your body will give you signs when you’re not consuming enough salt, like thirst, salt cravings, less urine output, and more.
- Cardiovascular research scientist Dr. James DiNicolantonio says that optimum sodium intake is around 3,000-5,000 milligrams per day for most people on non-workout days and around 5,000- 7,000 milligrams on workout days. https://insulinresistance.org/index.php/jir/article/view/78/245
Calcium
Open tab
Many people know of the importance of calcium in maintaining healthy bones, hair, skin, and teeth. Calcium is also essential for heart health, muscle and nerve function. Regular exercise and a healthy diet with enough calcium helps women maintain good bone health and may reduce their risk of osteoporosis later in life. The calcium in ketone salts may benefit those who don’t consume much calcium in their diet.
In a recent scientific study conducted at Mayo Clinic, it was shown that lower dietary calcium and potassium intake were associated with a higher odds of an incident symptomatic kidney stone. Adjusting for body mass index, fluid intake, and energy intake, lower dietary calcium and lower potassium intake were predictive of symptomatic kidney stone recurrence. With further adjustment for nondietary risk factors, lower dietary calcium intake remained a predictor of recurrence. They concluded that daily intake of 1200mg of calcium may help prevent both incidents and recurrent stones.
https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(22)00259-2/fulltext
Magnesium Citrate
Open tab
Magnesium Citrate: All cells require magnesium, it is one of the most important minerals for all aspects of health, but, unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is quite common. Magnesium participates in over 600 different biochemical reactions[1] in your body, needed for protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, energy production, sleep, is extremely important for mental and neurological health, to deal with stress and anxiety. It is also vital for the metabolism of vitamin D and optimal immune function. Increasing magnesium intake was linked to a reduced risk of stroke, heart failure, diabetes and if you are experiencing muscle cramps, this may be a sign that your body is in a magnesium deficit, while low-magnesium level is associated with anxiety and depression. Magnesium citrate helps with the effects of obesity. In fact, research shows that this form helped arterial stiffness in healthy overweight individuals. It also promotes relaxation by increasing GABA, the calming neurotransmitter. Studies have confirmed that magnesium with organic acid salt (e.g. citrate and malate) are significantly better absorbed and are the most beneficial for the nervous system.
Potassium Citrate
Open tab
Potassium often functions in conjunction with sodium, regulating muscle contractions, heart rate and maintaining the body’s fluid balance. As mentioned, low sodium levels cause the kidneys to reabsorb sodium at potassium’s expense, which leads to potassium wasting. Low potassium levels can cause constipation, muscle weakness, fatigue and can also lead to more severe complications, such as increased blood pressure, risk of kidney stones, and reduced metabolic health. Due to the increased risk of potassium imbalances, while following a ketogenic diet, managing sodium and potassium intakes may be a critical player in your overall keto experience. An extensive systematic review showed that most people`s health benefits with a potassium intake of about 2.6grams (females)-3.4grams (males) per day.
More on electrolytes….
Potassium citrate has been shown to prevent new kidney stones from forming in more than 90% of people who take it, it prevents kidney stones from growing larger or returning. Citrate binds calcium and increases urine pH.
Caffeine
Open tab
Caffeine activates pathways that promote the breakdown of fat, otherwise known as lipolysis. Lipolysis increases the amount of free fatty acids in the liver, which can be used directly as fuel, or if oxidized in large amounts, can promote the production of ketones. (only in KETOSTART +, 100mg caffeine per serving)
Citric Acid
Open tab
Malic Acid
Open tab
It is made by all living organisms. It is an intermediate of the Krebs cycle and may help facilitate mitochondrial energy production. It is the main acid in many fruits, such as apricots, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, grapes, peaches, pears, plums, causing the sour taste of fruits, and is often used as a food additive. Malic acid was first isolated from apple juice.
Natural Flavors
Open tab
Delicious tasting flavors were tailored to your palate to truly, effectively mask the bitterness of BHB. During the flavor development process with an expert team we selected premium flavors with quality you can taste. The Tropical (in KETOSTART) and Raspberry Lemonade (in KETOSTART+) natural flavors ensure that these products are not only highly efficient, but also highly enjoyable.
Monk Fruit Extract
Open tab
It is a natural sweetener that contains zero calories and is 100–250 times sweeter than sugar. It is also thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The monk fruit is also known as luo han guo or “Buddha fruit”, a small, round fruit grown in Southeast Asia. It has been used for hundreds of years (also in traditional Chinese medicine) with no reported side effects. The sweetener is created by removing the seeds and skin of the fruit and crushing it to collect the juice, which is then dried into a concentrated powder.
Silicon Dioxide
Open tab
Silicon dioxide (SiO2), is a natural compound made of two of the earth’s most abundant materials: silicon (Si) and oxygen (O2). It is found naturally in water, plants, animals, it is even found naturally in the tissues of the human body. Though it is unclear what role it plays, it is thought to be an essential nutrient our bodies need. Silicon dioxide is found naturally in many plants, such as: leafy green vegetables, beets, bell peppers, brown rice, oats, alfalfa. Research shows that the silica we consume doesn’t accumulate in our bodies, it is flushed out by our kidneys. It is often used in many foods and supplements as a food additive, since it serves as an anticaking agent to avoid clumping. In supplements a very small amount is used to prevent the various powdered ingredients from sticking together. Research has shown that the silica we consume through our diets doesn’t accumulate in our bodies. Instead, it’s flushed out by our kidneys. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also recognized silicon dioxide as a safe food additive.
