R-1,3-butanediol,
does it really help with Improved exercise energy and endurance?
research showsR-1,3-butanediol is a ketone precursor that raises blood beta-hydroxybutyrate, but the evidence for improved exercise performance is rated C. In a crossover trial of 12 NCAA athletes using the direct R-form Ketone-IQ product, time to fatigue was null (mean difference 48.7 seconds, 95% HDI −335 to 424). Earlier null trials in 11 runners and nine cyclists used racemic R,S-1,3-butanediol and therefore have ingredient indirectness, while a manufacturer-funded repeated-sprint conference abstract was positive, leaving small direct studies in conflict.
ads claimMarketing uses phrases such as super fuel, immediate energy, and lasting performance without carbohydrate. Pharmacokinetics showing an available ketone fuel are distinct from efficacy showing better times, power, or endurance. Ketone salts, ketone monoesters, diesters, and R-1,3-butanediol differ chemically and pharmacokinetically, so their evidence is not interchangeable.
Useful facts when choosing a product
- The verifiable Ketone-IQ Energy Shot label lists 10 g of R-1,3-butanediol per bottle. No formally authorized Korean functional claim was identified, and consumers may encounter it as an imported product.
- Direct pharmacokinetic studies used a single 10-g dose or three 11.5-g doses totaling 34.5 g.
- Exercise trials of racemic R,S-1,3-butanediol used 0.35 g/kg before and during exercise, so exposure is not identical to a 10-g pure R-form product.
- High doses have produced gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, dizziness, headache, and euphoria. Because it uses alcohol-metabolism pathways, caution is warranted with alcohol, liver disease, driving, competition, and long-term use.
What the research actually shows
The 2024 Gonzalez randomized double-blind crossover trial had 12 NCAA Division I cross-country athletes use the direct R-form Ketone-IQ product and run at lactate-threshold pace to voluntary fatigue; time to fatigue did not improve. The 2024 Falkenhain and 2023 Lowder studies showed that the R form raises blood ketones but did not test performance efficacy. The 2019 Scott trial in 11 runners and the 2019 Shaw trial in nine cyclists were both null, but used racemic R,S-1,3-butanediol. Positive repeated-sprint data for Ketone-IQ remain a manufacturer-funded conference abstract.
Why this is classified as C (43)
The direct R-form 12-person crossover trial was null for time to fatigue, but it was extremely small. The null trials in 11 runners and nine cyclists used racemic R,S material and therefore have ingredient indirectness, while a direct R-form manufacturer-funded repeated-sprint abstract was positive. There is no large null performance trial of the R form, and the small evidence is conflicting, supporting C with 43 points.
Counterpoint. A product-specific effect during short repeated anaerobic sprints could be tested in an independent peer-reviewed trial. Current evidence cannot extend that possibility to long-distance endurance.
Rejudgment record. Reassessment (cross-check reflected) — Accepted the null time-to-fatigue result from the direct 12-person R-form crossover trial but integrated its very small sample, the R,S-racemic form of earlier null trials, and the positive manufacturer-funded R-form repeated-sprint abstract as limited and conflicting evidence
Sub-claim grades by effect
This ingredient is marketed for several effects. A single overall grade blends strong and weak claims together, so each effect is graded separately here. The overall grade reflects the strongest disconfirming or core claim.
| Effect (sub-claim) | Grade | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Elevation of blood ketones as a surrogate endpoint | C | Direct human trials show higher blood BHB, but this is a surrogate endpoint |
| Improved actual exercise endurance and performance | D | A direct 12-person R-form crossover trial was null for time to fatigue, racemic trials were also null, and samples were extremely small |
Cross-check — Codex and Claude
Evidence Table
| Study | Design | Sample | Funding | Endpoint | Result | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzalez M et al. 2024 | Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover performance trial | 12 | No specific industry funding stated in the paper; commercial Ketone-IQ was used | Time to fatigue while running at lactate-threshold pace, blood ketones, lactate, heart rate, and perceived exertion | Time to fatigue did not improve significantly, with a mean difference of 48.7 seconds (95% HDI −335 to 424). | Direct small R-form null evidence |
| Falkenhain K et al. 2024 | Double-blind randomized crossover pharmacokinetic pilot | 12 | Canadian public research funding | Blood beta-hydroxybutyrate and glucose | R-1,3-butanediol at 10 g raised blood ketones, but exercise performance was not measured. | Direct surrogate evidence |
| Lowder J et al. 2023 | Open-label acute pharmacokinetic and tolerability trial | 26 | Funded by Genomatica, which participated in study design | Blood ketones, gastrointestinal tolerability, and sleepiness | Peak ketones reached 2.10 mmol/L after 34.5 g, but there was no exercise-performance endpoint. | Manufacturer-funded surrogate evidence |
| Scott BE et al. 2019 | Randomized double-blind crossover performance trial | 11 | No specific funding | Five-kilometer time trial after 60 minutes of running and blood ketones | Ketones more than doubled, but the five-kilometer time was unchanged. | Direct null evidence |
| Shaw DM et al. 2019 | Randomized crossover performance trial | 9 | Unknown | Cycling time trial, average power, and tolerability | There was no benefit in time or average power, and gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness, and euphoria were reported. | Direct null evidence |
| Cohran LM et al. 2024 | Randomized repeated-measures placebo-controlled conference abstract | Health Via Modern Nutrition | Five-kilometer run and repeated ten-second cycling sprints | Improved repeated-sprint average power and fatigue index were reported, but sample size and the five-kilometer result were unclear. | Manufacturer-funded abstract |
Receipt — 6 References
All 6 cited sources were verified for existence at the original page (as of 2026-07-18).
Reviewed and approved: Chamgap Editorial Team · Approval date: 2026-07-18 · Corrections: none
Cite this verdict
[Chamgap] R-1,3-butanediol x improved exercise energy and endurance — Evidence Grade C·43. 6 cited sources checked. Source: https://chamgap.com/en/verdicts/sports/r-1-3-butanediol-exercise-energy-endurance/ · CC BY 4.0CC BY 4.0 — free to use with attribution; do not distort grades, numbers, or verdict meaning.
What this document does and does not do
Chamgap is an information source. It reports what research has and has not confirmed; it does not tell readers what to take or buy. That decision belongs to readers and, when needed, medical or legal professionals. This verdict reflects literature available up to the search date and may change as new research appears. Nothing here is medical advice.