A ketogenic drink improves cognition in mild cognitive impairment: Results of a 6-month RCT

BENEFIC randomized adults with mild cognitive impairment to a ketogenic MCT drink (15 g twice daily) or placebo for six months; 39 and 44 participants were analyzed. Free and cued recall (p=0.047), category fluency (p=0.024), naming (p=0.033) and Trail-Making Test errors (p=0.017) all improved versus placebo. Several cognitive changes correlated with blood ketone levels, supporting the mechanism: ketones partially bypass the brain glucose-use deficit seen in MCI. A companion imaging cohort (N=52) showed brain ketone metabolism rose 230% at the same dose. Limitations: small sample, modest completion, and a population with diagnosed MCI - not healthy adults. Evidensen does not support MCT oil as a general nootropic. GI effects (diarrhea, cramps) are dose-limiting and require slow titration from about 5 g/day. The 30 g/day trial dose adds roughly 250 kcal. APOE4 status did not clearly modify effects i denna prövning, though the wider literature is unresolved.

This kMCT drink improved cognitive outcomes in MCI, at least in part by increasing blood ketone level.