In recent years there has been a surge in popularity for the keto diet, now one of the most popular diets in Hollywood.
Those following the keto diet act to reduce sugar stores in the body, aiming to increase the levels of ketones in the bloodstream. This has a beneficial impact on weight loss as the body uses fat stores for energy, which helps in shifting excess body fat (1).
But many are taking things one stage further, introducing the best keto supplements into their diets to further aid this process. The result? Increased energy levels, boosted heart and brain function, and accelerated weight loss.
What is a Ketogenic Diet?
The keto diet (ketogenic diet) is a low-carb, high fat diet that involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake, in favour of fats (much like the Atkins diet, or other low carb diets).
By rebalancing the intake of dietary fats and carbohydrates, the body is placed in a state called ketosis. Ketosis fires up the bodies fat burning capability, turning the metabolism into a fat burning furnace (2).
And as a byproduct, the levels of ketones in the bloodstream and liver increasing, resulting in boosted energy levels for the brain.
The resulting health benefits have been shown to reduce blood sugar levels, as well as reducing insulin.
What is Ketosis?
Ketosis is a metabolic state which forces your body to use fat stores as energy, rather than carbohydrates.
Ketosis occurs when there is a severe drop in glucose in the bloodstream, which is what the bodies cells conventionally use for energy.
Those following the keto diet transition away from consuming carbohydrates, choosing to eat meats, fish, nuts, eggs and healthy oils, and fats. However, it is also important to moderate protein levels, to avoid protein being converted into glucose for energy.
There are different schools of thought in the world of ketosis, but some believe that intermittent fasting can help onset ketosis faster, while others elect to boost ketosis by taking the best keto supplements.
Best Keto Supplements Guide 2020
Here at BigBlueTest.org we compare and review all of the best keto supplements, so that you can quickly find the keto supplements that can help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Not only has the keto diet been praised for its ability to aid weight loss, but there are also a number of other potential health benefits offered by keto supplementation and the keto diet.
These include, reducing cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, insulin levels. These compound effects have been shown to reduce risks of heart disease, cancer, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease (3).
For more information on the keto diet and keto supplementation, take a look at our ultimate guide to the best keto supplements below. Alternatively, here’s a list and thorough breakdown of the top 5 keto supplements currently on the market.
Top 5 Keto Supplements:
- Nutriana Keto Diet Pills
- Purely Optimal Premium Keto Diet Pills
- Pure Keto Diet Pills
- Perfect Keto Exogenous Ketones Powder
- Herbtonics Apple Cider Keto Diet Pills
Top 5 Keto Supplements
Studies have shown that keto supplements can aid the body in producing more ketones in the bloodstream, inducing the body into a ketogenic state. In fact, research has suggested that some keto supplements can help increase ketone levels by over 300%.
We have created our list of the best keto supplements by selecting those that are FDA-approved, safe, trustworthy and transparent. And most importantly, backed by scientific justification.
Nutriana Keto Diet Pills
Nutriana Keto Diet Pills are widely regarded as one of the best keto supplements on the market. The Keto Diet Pills work by using a patented blend of BHB salts called goBHB. These goBHB keto salts help serve the body with a direct energy source for the brain and muscles, that shifts dependancy away from glucose.
Nutriana advise that the keto diet pills are taken 20-30 minutes before a mean, and that they are supplements with a proper keto diet, and regular exercise. Not only can Nutriana Keto Diet Pills help in increasing ketones in the bloody, but they can also help counteract some of the side effects that people experience when starting out on the ketogenic diet.
Common side effects starting out on the keto diet include fatigue, cravings for sugar, brain fog, and mental cloudiness (4). Nutriana Keto Diet Pills help increase energy levels by supplying their goBHB formula during this transition period.
Nutriana Keto Diet Pills are made in the USA, and derived by science and research with no additives or sweeteners. It’s advised that you take 2 unflavored capsules per serving. This feeds your body with 800mg of Nutriana’s proprietary blend – which includes the following electrolytes, Magnesium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate, Calcium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate, and Sodium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate.
Health Benefits
- Clean source of increased energy levels
- Accelerates move to ketogenic state
- Reduces feelings of fatigue, brain fog, mental cloudiness, and sugar cravings
Dosage
- 800mg of Proprietary Blend per serving
- 2 capsules per serving, take up to 3 servings per day between 20-30 minutes before meals
Price
- $
Purely Optimal Premium Keto Diet Pills
Next on our list of the best keto diet supplements is the Purely Optimal Premium Keto Diet Pills. Like Nutriana’s blend of keto pills, Purely Optimal have a unique blend of BHB salts (beta-hydroxybutyrate) that help to provide increased energy to the body, while promoting a state of ketosis.
While pushing your body into a ketogenic state, Purely Optimal Keto Pills also work to improve mental clarity, support your metabolism, boost athletic performance, manage cravings, and blitz body fat.
In turn, Purely Optimal Premium Keto Diet Pills help to bridge the gap for anyone moving on to a ketogenic diet. Combatting feelings of mental and physical fatigue and sugar cravings.
It’s advised that you take 2 unflavored capsules of Purely Optimal Premium Keto Diet Pills prior to eating, supplying you with 800mg of Purely Optimal’s proprietary blend per serving.
Health Benefits
- Induces ketosis faster
- Improves mental clarity and focus
- Supports metabolism
- Utilizes fat for fuel
- Manages cravings
Dosage
- 800mg of Proprietary Blend per serving
- 2 capsules per serving, take up to 3 servings per day between 20-30 minutes before meals
Price
- $
Vital Nutrition Pure Keto Diet Pills
Pure Keto Diet Pills by Vital Nutrition pack the same punch as the keto diet pills higher up this list, but also contain a unique blend of nutrients necessary to optimal bodily function and weight loss.
Pure Keto Diet pills are designed to turn fat into energy by increasing the pure levels of ketones in the bloodstream. They also supercharge weight loss, and help to control your appetite so that you find it easier transitioning into or maintaining a keto diet.
Vital Nutrition Keto Diet Pills contain a patented formula of BHB salts (beta-hydroxybutyrate) which help the body to sustain and stabilize the use of fats as energy, while maintaining your physical and mental focus, endurance and general energy levels.
What’s more, the keto supplements contain antioxidants that help to boost fat burning, while controlling your appetite (5). This works by increasing the levels of adiponectin in the body, which is a key hormone in regulating metabolic rate.
Health Benefits
- Turn Fat Into Energy
- Supercharge Your Weight Loss
- Control Your Appetitie
Dosage
- 800mg of Proprietary Blend per serving
- 2 capsules per serving, take up to 3 servings per day between 20-30 minutes before meals
Price
- $
Perfect Keto Exogenous Ketones Powder
Unlike the other diet pills on our best keto supplements list, the Perfect Keto Exogenous Ketones Supplement comes in powder format.
Based on a new and advanced formula, Perfect Keto Exogenous Ketones Powder includes a unique blend of BHB that is designed to move the body into a ketogenic state faster, while aiding weight loss efforts.
Perfect Keto Exogenous Ketones Powder is sweet tasting, having been blended with monk fruit to eliminate the traditionally bitter taste associated with keto diet powders. The keto supplement is also available in different flavors that can be consumed while you’re out and about and on the go. These include Chocolate, Vanilla, Coffee, and Peach.
Some of the main benefits of Perfect Keto Exogenous Ketones Powder include the fact that the powder mixes easily, tastes great, and is Doctor approved and made from safe ingredients.
Health Benefits
- Moves the body to a ketogenic state faster
- Eliminated mental fatigue and sugar cravings
- Helps to blitz fat fast
Dosage
- 3,800mg Magnesium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate per serving
- 3,800mg Calcium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate per serving
- 3,800mg Sodium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate per serving
- Also includes the following minerals and electrolytes, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, and potassium
Price
- $$
Herbtonics Apple Cider Keto Diet Pills
The final keto supplement on our list of the best keto supplements are the Herbtonics Apple Cider Keto Diet Pills.
Herbtonics Apple Cider Keto Diet Pills contain a unique blend of MCT (Medium Chain Triglyceride found in MCT Oil), and electrolytes (Magnesium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate, Calcium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate, and Sodium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate). All of which are derived from apple cider vinegar, which helps to detox the body, suppress appetite, boost metabolic rate and aid energy levels.
The mix of BHB salts and MCT oil support in triggering ketosis which ensures the body begins shedding fat, by using fat instead of glucose for energy.
Herbtonics Apple Cider Keto Diet Pills is made in the USA, and is gluten free, non-GMO and vegetarian. Like other top keto supplements on our list, health benefits include more rapid weight loss, appetite control, and boosted energy levels.
Health Benefits
- Moves the body to a ketogenic state fast
- Regulated metabolic rate
- Control appetite
- Boost energy levels
Dosage
- 1,500mg of proprietary blend per serving (includes MCT Oil)
- 2 capsules per serving, take up to 3 servings per day between 20-30 minutes before meals
Price
- $
Keto Supplement Buying Guide
Now that we have reviewed the best keto supplements online, let’s take a deeper look at the world of keto supplements. Starting with the types of ketogenic diet, ketogenic health benefits, and a breakdown on BHB salts (ketone salts).
Types of Ketogenic Diet
There are 8 different types of ketogenic diets that you can utilize to improve your bodies ability to move into a state of ketosis. The most popular form of keto diet is the Standard Ketogenic Diet, but there are other formats that might be better suited to your lifestyle.
Standard Ketogenic Diet (SDK)
SKD is a low carbohydrate, high fat, moderate protein diet rich in amino acids. The premise behind the Standard Ketogenic Diet is that you should consume 70-75% fats, 20% protein, and around 5-10% carbohydrates in your diet. If you do eat vegetables, they should be strong, non-starchy and low in carbs.
The resultant impact of the Standard Ketogenic Diet is accelerated weight loss, reduced blood pressure and more regulated blood sugar levels.
Many keto dieters who transition to the Standard Ketogenic Diet support this move by taking the best keto supplements (6). This is because keto supplements help to counteract some of the temporary side effects of moving the body into a ketogenic state (for example lack of mental and physical energy levels).
MCT Ketogenic Diet
The MCT Ketogenic Diet is focused on pushing the intake of fats and fatty acids to the maximum, through MCT supplements and eating foods like coconut oil (high in medium-chain triglycerides and electrolytes).
By taking on the maximum levels of fats, you can then consume higher levels of protein and carbohydrates while maintaining a state of ketosis. The side effects however can be an upset stomach, as the high fat content in your diet can lead to diarrhoea.
Very-Low Carb Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD)
Sometimes also called the standard keto diet, the VLCKD is a standard keto diet with extremely low levels of carbohydrates consumed. Some keto dieters say that keto supplements are beneficial with the VLCKD because energy level regulation is improved.
Cyclical Keto Diet (CKD)
The cyclical keto diet means adding more carbohydrates to your diet. This is achieved by adding two high carbohydrate days to your diet for every five ketogenic days. Cyclical keto diet is most benefitted to athletes and sports professionals who need to replace depleted glycogen stores in muscles.
Well Formulated Keto Diet (WFKD)
This type of ketogenic diet is very similar to the standard keto diet. Essentially, it means adhering strictly to the ratio of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Ensuring that these macronutrients are taken from well formulated sources.
Targeted Keto Diet (TKD)
The basis of a targeted keto diet is that carbohydrates can be consumed in greater quantities, but at targeted times of the day. Specifically, carbs are consumed around workouts when glycogen stores in muscles are used or depleted.
Many use the targeted keto diet as a comprimise between the standard keto diet, and cyclical keto diet. Again, the targeted keto diet is most suited to people who train and exercise often.
Calorie Restricted Ketogenic Diet
Calorie restriction keto diets follow the same basic principles of the standard keto diet, however restrict overall calorie intake throughout the day.
Many resist the notion that calorie management is necessary due to the fact that natural states of ketosis naturally regulate calorie intake through appetite suppression.
High Protein Keto Diet
One of the more popular forms of keto diet is the high protein keto diet. This means shifting the ratios in your diet towards protein, allowing you to consume more meat and fish in your diet.
Typically high protein keto diet ratios are made up of 35% protein, 60% fats, 5% carbohydrates.
Ketogenic Health Benefits & Diet Facts
The reason that the keto diet has become so popular is that moving your body into a state of ketosis has many beneficial health benefits. Here is a breakdown of the potential benefits:
Aids Weight Loss
First and foremost, following the keto diet and taking the best keto supplements aids weight loss. By forcing the body to move into a ketogenic state, the body uses fat instead of glucose for energy.
This means that you shed fat faster, and burn hard to shift fat stores that typically exist around the gut and thighs. What’s more, when combined with regular exercise, the natural metabolic rate is fired up, meaning you benefit from losing weight faster (7).
For this reason keto supplements are also regarding as popular weight loss supplements.
Can Boost Heart and Brain Function
The keto diet promotes weight loss and reduced body weight, which in turn has beneficial impact on cholesterol, blood sugar levels, insulin levels, and blood pressure.
Many cases of heart and brain disease in the USA are caused by high levels of cholesterol. By reducing cholesterol levels, the keto diet can reduce the risk of heart and brain illnesses (8).
Reduces Acne
By reducing processed and refined sugars from your diet, you reduce the levels of acne causing bacteria in the body. Acne is also associated with high blood sugar levels, and a bad diet.
By introducing keto principles into your diet, you will see a beneficial impact on your skin health, and reduced acne.
May Reduce Cancer Risk
There has been evidence to suggest that ketogenic diets can also have benefits on those suffering with cancer. Some keto dieters use the keto diet as an alternative therapy to treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, as these can cause more oxidative damage to regular cells than cancer cells.
Reduces Risk Of Seizures
The process of rebalancing the intake of fat, carbohydrates, and proteins helps to move the body into a state of ketosis. Research has shown that by following this process the body uses oxygen to create ketone bodies (9). Certain studies have found this process to settle and reduce the impact of seizures on those suffering with epilepsy.
Keto Might Not Be For You
While the keto diet has tonnes of great health benefits, it isn’t for everyone. There are side effects that most people transitioning to the keto diet have to deal with. Some of which can be remedied with the best keto supplements and diet pills. Some call these side effects the ‘keto-flu’ as you can feel tired, lethargic, nauseous, and hungry.
Choosing The Right Foods
Another important element of the keto diet is selecting the right whole foods (meal plan) to aid the process of ketosis. Keto specialists advise eating whole food grains, starchy vegetables (like yams and potatoes), high-carb fruits like bananas, apples and oranges. This also assists with weight management.
When eating proteins, it’s wellness professionals advise you to eat those which high fat content, like coconut oil and olive oil, as well as fish, fish oils, eggs, avocados, green tea, and non-starchy veggies.
What is BHB?
When you start out with the keto diet, you are forcing your body to move into a ketogenic state. The process of ketosis generates energy called Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (or Keto BHB).
BHB is a naturally occurring energy source that is produced by our bodies. It is a fat-based ketone used alongside glucose to supply our cells with the energy required to carry out our daily tasks.
BHB compromises 78% of the natural ketone salts found in the body, and when it is used for energy, it uses up fat stores, as opposed to carbohydrates. What that means is that body will burn fat for energy instead of other readily available energy stores. This is great if you are looking to burn fat or lose weight (10).
The premise of taking the best keto supplements is that you naturally increase keto BHB levels in the body to kickstart the process of ketosis. This in turn creates a flywheel effect as the body continues to produce more and more BHB for fat-based energy production.
Benefits of BHB Supplements?
While some scientists are still on the fence about the effectiveness of BHB supplementation, research suggests that there are significant benefits.
The obvious first benefit is that BHB levels in the body are increased quickly, which helps the body move into a natural state of ketosis. In turn, the body becomes a fat burning furnace, where energy is consumed from fat-based ketones, as opposed to glucose.
However, there are more unique benefits to BHB supplementation:
- Skip the ‘keto-flu’ symptoms associated with transitioning onto the keto diet
- Weight loss
- Boost energy
- Appetite Suppression
- Improved mental clarity and cognitive function
- Reduced inflammation in the body (11)
- Re-balance glucose levels
Best Keto Supplement Side Effects
Like any dietary supplements, it is always best to practice moderation. While BHB supplementation can introduce some brilliant health benefits, it is used to help onset ketosis and top up the bodies natural ketone levels.
Those who abuse BHB supplements by taking too many keto diet pills, are prone to experiencing negative side effects. The most common side effects of BHB abuse include:
- Dairrhea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
The best way to combat the side effects of keto supplements is to use BHB supplements in-line with a balanced diet. That means monitoring the levels of BHB you are taking on board so that you do not intake too much. And sticking to the recommended daily dosage levels of each keto supplement.
If you start to feel negative side effects of BHB supplementation, then it is best to dial back the levels of BHB supplements you are adding to your daily intake.
Beneficiary Supplements
In order to increase the level of blood ketones, it can be beneficial supplementing with additional ketone supplements. There are various different types of electrolyte supplements and exogenous ketone supplements.
Some of these help to combat magnesium deficiency, increase amino acids and electrolytes, like omega-3, collagen, stevia and citrate. Some keto dieters also supplement with fiber supplements and magnesium supplements if there is a particular need. This ensures the correct number of digestive enzymes are consumed alongside the keto diet (12).
Here at BigBlueTest.org we have comprehensive reviews that help those looking for all of the best advice when supplementing with new products.
Keto Supplement FAQ
Q: Can I still eat carbs?
A: Yes you can still eat carbohydrates when following a keto diet. Some keto diets encourage carb intake on certain days of the week, for example for every five days keeping up a ketogenic diet, take two days where you eat more carbs. Likewise, some eat carbohydrates around workouts to increase depleted glucose levels.
While the keto diet does mean restriction your carbohydrate levels to around 5-10% of your daily intake, it’s possible to add more carbs to your diet while remaining in a state of ketosis.
Q: What is MCT oil?
A: MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides) is a byproduct of coconut oil or palm kernel oil. It has a very high fat content of fatty acids and amino acids and is used as a form of keto supplementation. Those who are following the MCT ketogenic diet use MCT oil to increase the levels of fat in their diet.
Q: What is the ‘Keto flu’?
A: The Keto-Flu is a term used to describe some of the negative side effects that people can feel when transitioning onto the keto diet. These include symptoms like fatigue, hunger, nausea, diarrhea, muscle cramps, and an upset stomach. The process of moving into a ketogenic state can take some time, and starving the body of sugars and carbohydrates that were previously used to make energy can be difficult for a temporary period.
Q: Will I lose muscle?
A: No it is possible to maintain and even grow muscle when carrying out the ketogenic diet. Some athletes use the targeted or cyclical form of the keto diet to ensure that they are providing key muscle groups with the required protein and carbohydrates to maintain muscle mass.
Q: Is Ketosis dangerous?
A: Ketosis is not in itself dangerous, and if you follow the keto diet properly your health is not at risk. With that said, if you are a diabetic or someone who suffers from insulin imbalance then you should be careful in carrying out the keto diet. The most common symptom when starting out on the keto diet is a feeling of sickness, and fatigue. This is caused by the bodies move from using fat-based ketones for energy, as opposed to glucose.
Q: Can I stop bad breath?
A: Bad breath (or keto breath) is a common side effect when starting out on the keto diet. Many complain of a metallic taste due to the high fat content in the keto diet. Lik the keto-flu, symptoms of bad breath should be temporary, and can be countered with proper oral hygiene, and the regular consumption of water.
Best Keto Supplements Bottom Line
If you are currently following the keto diet, or are planning on moving onto the keto diet then taking the best keto supplements can be a great way or getting started. The best keto supplements contain BHB which is a naturally occurring fat-based ketone that is for energy consumption.
By taking keto supplements you can speed up the onset of ketosis, and combat the common side effects of ‘keto-flu’. Just be sure to always consume keto supplements in-line with a healthy diet, and always follow the recommended dosage advised on each supplement.
If you are interested in learning more about the best supplements online, check out BigBlueTest.org for more information.
References
- Evans M, Cogan KE, Egan B. Metabolism of ketone bodies during exercise and training: physiological basis for exogenous supplementation. J Physiol. 2017;595(9):2857-2871. doi:10.1113/JP273185
- Balasse EO, Féry F. Ketone body production and disposal: effects of fasting, diabetes, and exercise. Diabetes Metab Rev. 1989;5(3):247-270. doi:10.1002/dmr.5610050304
- Beattie MA, Winder WW. Mechanism of training-induced attenuation of postexercise ketosis. Am J Physiol. 1984;247(5 Pt 2):R780-R785. doi:10.1152/ajpregu.1984.247.5.R780
- Carlin JI, Olson EB Jr, Peters HA, Reddan WG. The effects of post-exercise glucose and alanine ingestion on plasma carnitine and ketosis in humans. J Physiol. 1987;390:295-303. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.1987.sp016701
- Cox PJ, Clarke K. Acute nutritional ketosis: implications for exercise performance and metabolism. Extrem Physiol Med. 2014;3:17. Published 2014 Oct 29. doi:10.1186/2046-7648-3-17
- Harvey CJDC, Schofield GM, Williden M. The use of nutritional supplements to induce ketosis and reduce symptoms associated with keto-induction: a narrative review. PeerJ. 2018;6:e4488. Published 2018 Mar 16. doi:10.7717/peerj.4488
- Cox PJ, Clarke K. Acute nutritional ketosis: implications for exercise performance and metabolism. Extrem Physiol Med. 2014;3:17. Published 2014 Oct 29. doi:10.1186/2046-7648-3-17
- Lyngstad A, Nymo S, Coutinho SR, et al. Investigating the effect of sex and ketosis on weight-loss-induced changes in appetite. Am J Clin Nutr. 2019;109(6):1511-1518. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqz002
- Olson CA, Vuong HE, Yano JM, Liang QY, Nusbaum DJ, Hsiao EY. The Gut Microbiota Mediates the Anti-Seizure Effects of the Ketogenic Diet [published correction appears in Cell. 2018 Jul 12;174(2):497]. Cell. 2018;173(7):1728-1741.e13. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2018.04.027
- Cuenoud B, Hartweg M, Godin JP, et al. Metabolism of Exogenous D-Beta-Hydroxybutyrate, an Energy Substrate Avidly Consumed by the Heart and Kidney. Front Nutr. 2020;7:13. Published 2020 Feb 19. doi:10.3389/fnut.2020.00013
- Kashiwaya Y, Takeshima T, Mori N, Nakashima K, Clarke K, Veech RL. D-beta-hydroxybutyrate protects neurons in models of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2000;97(10):5440-5444. doi:10.1073/pnas.97.10.5440
- Evans M, Cogan KE, Egan B. Metabolism of ketone bodies during exercise and training: physiological basis for exogenous supplementation. J Physiol. 2017;595(9):2857-2871. doi:10.1113/JP273185
