Keto OS Side Effects and Benefits: Is It Worth It?

Keto OS or — as the company writes it — KETO//OS is an exogenous ketone supplement that promises better mood, strength, energy, sleep, focus, and fat loss

With the subtle hints of science and the usage of unnecessarily complicated terminology, this supplement smells a lot like another fat loss supplement scam.  Could KETO//OS’s advanced macro nutritional energy technology really improve mood, strength, energy, sleep, focus, and fat loss?

Plot twist. Some — but not all — of Pruvit’s claims may be true. Unfortunately, there may be some downsides as well.

A Quick Overview of Ketones, Ketosis, and Other Keto Terms

Before we jump into the science and side effects of KETO//OS, we must develop a basic understanding of some not-so-common terms. Throughout this article, you will see the words ketosis, ketogenesis, ketones, ketone bodies, and exogenous ketones. They are all related, but also have some significant differences.

Ketosis is when our body burns ketones for fuel, and these ketones are created via a process called ketogenesis.

For the purposes of this article, ketones and ketone bodies are one in the same (to find out the differences between the two, check out our article on ketones). Ketone bodies are produced by the liver during periods of starvation or carbohydrate restriction.

Exogenous ketones are ketone bodies that are not made endogenously (in the body). They are typically ingested in the form of ketone salts, which are the main active ingredients in Keto//OS products.

The science behind the effects that ketones have on the body is in its early stages. However, many studies have found that being in ketosis provides us with benefits that extend beyond what we previously expected. In fact, the benefits of ketones are so promising that they outweigh the potential side effects.

The Science Behind KETO//OS And Other Exogenous Ketones

Before we find out the side effects of Keto OS, we must figure out if it is worth the high price. About 30 servings of KETO//OS will run you over $140, so it is important to be well educated on the product before you invest in it.

If you look through the research that is provided on Pruvit’s website, you will find no studies on the product itself. The research they provide is all about the positive effects of the ketogenic diet, ketosis, and ketones. (For a more in-depth look at the benefits of the ketogenic diet.

There is, however, one study that they provide on the positive effects that exogenous ketones (not KETO//OS products) had on rats (not humans). The one human study that they cited about a supplement that boosted ketone levels and cognitive function was about MCT oil, not exogenous ketones.

When we consider all the research provided by Pruvit with some quick searches on NCBI and Google Scholar, here is an overly simplified version of what has been found in humans:

• Exogenous ketones raise blood ketone levels and decrease the liver’s ketone production in the short term
• Healthy ketosis (having elevated ketone levels that are not caused by uncontrolled blood sugar) can help boost cognitive function and energy levels.
• The ketogenic diet is the safest and most effective way to get into a healthy ketosis.
• The ketogenic diet has been proven to be safe in the short-term and long-term.
• The ketogenic diet can help people with reversing common conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

And here is what we found in rats:

• Exogenous ketones simultaneously increase blood ketone levels and decrease blood glucose.
• When compared to exogenous ketone supplementation, the ketogenic diet created more profound weight loss and insulin reduction.
• Ketogenic diet fed rats were able to maintain ketosis in response to stress better than exogenous ketone fed rats.
• Both the ketogenic diet and exogenous ketones increased mitochondrial enzymes that help cells use ketones as fuel.
• Ketogenic diet fed rats showed much more of an improvement in cognitive function in normal and in stressful conditions compared to rats that were given exogenous ketones.