Ketone monoester adds no clear benefit to altitude training camp
In an 18-person cyclist study, ketone monoester did not add to gains in time-trial power, maximum oxygen uptake or hemoglobin mass during a five-week live-high, train-low camp. The authors cautioned that the result may not apply to other athletes or training plans.
Frontiers in Physiology published the study on November 9, 2026. Eighteen recreationally active cyclists, nine men and nine women, completed a five-week live-high, train-low program in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. They received ketone monoester or a calorie-matched placebo after exercise and before bed.1
Both groups improved their 30-minute time-trial power and maximum oxygen uptake, with no significant difference between groups. Ketone monoester also did not add a detectable gain in hemoglobin mass.1
Repeated-sprint power increased in the placebo group but not in the ketone group. The authors said the findings applied to recreationally active cyclists using this specific training plan and supplement dose, and might not apply to other groups or plans.1
