Nestlè to Launch Ketogenic Drink for Cognitive Benefits

A Nestlé-produced ketogenic (kMCT) drink may ease the impact of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a condition affecting between 15-20% of people aged 60 years and older. The drink is set to be launched in Europe by the end of the year.  Containing medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) and proteins, Nestlé claims that BrainXpert Energy Complex is designed to provide an alternative to glucose as a source of energy to the brain, helping fight cognitive decline.
BrainXpert’s cognitive benefits is supported by a study conducted by Canadian research team and published in peer reviewed journal, Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Along with colleagues from Nestlé’s Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Sciences, the team enrolled individuals into either the study group (drink containing ketogenic medium chain triglyceride; 15 grams (g) twice/day; n=39) or placebo (n=44).  The kMCT drink was a 12% emulsion of Captex 355 (60% C8, 40% C10) in lactose free skim milk.  The placebo contained high oleic acid sunflower oil as a calorie equivalent non-ketogenic vegetable oil.  
Cognition, plasma ketone response, and metabolic profile were assessed before and six months after supplementation.  Higher plasma ketones correlated positively with changes on four cognitive tests, while plasma metabolic profile and ketone response remained unchanged after six months of kMCT.  The efficacy, safety, and tolerability findings suggest testing kMCT as a potential approach to delay progression to Alzheimer’s disease.