Protein shakes and pre-workout supplements have been shown to be effective for muscle recovery and building. However, there are a number of ongoing research endeavours to explore a new class of chemical structures that could forge revolutionary pathways for muscle growth through ketone monoesters.
Given the abundance of existing protein supplements such as whey protein, what makes ketone monoesters significant?
Sarkis Hannaian, a PhD candidate in McGill’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, is studying the “mammalian target of rapamycin” (mTOR)—a molecule within the body that regulates metabolism-related processes. Despite mTOR’s diverse roles in different cells, Hannaian’s research centres on its impact on protein function, specifically within skeletal muscle cells, which are fundamental to muscle development during exercise and everyday activities.
As an important signaling molecule in cellular development, mTOR functions as a master switch that regulates cell growth and protein synthesis, and is crucial for muscle development and repair. Hannaian’s study showcased how different nutrients, like ketone monoester and whey protein, affect the activity and position of mTOR within muscle cells.
“This molecule helps us understand how ketones affect and ultimately enhance muscle growth and recovery,” Hannaian explained during an interview with The Tribune.
mTOR activity is negatively regulated by proteins such as TSC2, which belongs to the tuberous sclerosis complex and acts as an inhibitor. TSC2, when active, works like a brake on mTOR, preventing the protein synthesis that mTOR usually promotes. Without TSC2 inhibition, mTOR is unable to effectively stimulate protein synthesis in muscle cells, thereby slowing down muscle growth and repair.
Dietary supplements, such as whey protein, can decrease TSC2 activity, which normally inhibits mTOR. Consuming whey protein triggers the release of amino acids that activate pathways to deactivate TSC2. This deactivation boosts mTOR activity and, consequently, promotes protein production and muscle growth.
In the case of ketone monoesters, on the other hand, the body metabolizes them directly into energy, especially when carbohydrate intake is low. This means they can serve as a fast-acting, alternative energy source that influences mTOR signalling.
“The ingestion of ketones through this ketone monoester drink can help dissociate mTOR from its negative regulator,” Hannaian said.
Research suggests that five hours after ingesting ketone supplements, participants showed improved mTOR activity in muscles, especially when combined with whey protein. This combination enhanced mTOR activity by reducing the inhibitory effect of TSC2, the protein that normally regulates mTOR. Consequently, this could enhance muscle growth and repair by stimulating protein synthesis.
Despite the potential benefits, the long-term consequences of ingesting ketones remain unknown. Hannaian’s ongoing research seeks to determine how short-term ketone exposure affects muscle activity and signalling, with the eventual goal of understanding its long-term health implications.
Cost is another significant limitation to the study. A single dose of ketone monoester supplements can range from $40 to $80 CAD, making them financially inaccessible for many. Despite the high expenses, supplementation might be essential for anyone undertaking rigorous endurance workouts or struggling to build muscle naturally.
This approach could be particularly beneficial for populations like the elderly, who often face muscle atrophy due to reduced physical activity and accessibility issues.
“In five days, you could lose up to a kilogram of muscle, and it takes approximately three to four months to regain this amount with exercise, but often it takes longer in older adults due to decreased metabolic activities,” Hannaian said.
Hannaian plans to continue advocating for research in this field by conducting further studies on patients who could benefit from the newly proposed supplement methods. He also aims to investigate how other chemical analogues, like omega-3 fatty acids, affect muscle protein synthesis.
For athletes and aging adults alike, this molecule represents a potentially exciting frontier. Combining protein with ketones may be a game-changer in fueling muscle growth, recovery, and overall performance.