The Effect of Raising Ketones Directly With MCT Oil on Inflammation in Healthy Young Adults

Ketogenic diets are gaining support as a method to lower inflammation within the body, but studies have not been able to show the way by which this occurs. Ketones, which are molecules made by the body as a source of energy during carbohydrate restriction, have been shown to have the ability to alter the number and types of messages that immune cells send to each other, and thus have the potential to lower inflammation. To determine whether raising ketones independent of diet reduce inflammation, 20 healthy, young men and women will follow a 14-day "normal" diet combined with MCT oil supplements. Based on previous research, the investigators expect that raising ketones will reduce immune cell pro-inflammatory signaling.