The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) would like to make its position clear concerning the use of ketone supplements by cyclists.
Ketones are chemical compounds naturally produced by the human body that are used by muscles during exercise when glucose is in short supply. Ketones can also be taken orally in the form of dietary supplements.
The use of dietary supplements containing ketone bodies (ketones) has become popular in endurance sports, particularly road cycling, since the publication of scientific findings of a study carried out in 2016. Results of the study suggested that ketones taken before or during exercise could improve cycling performance. However, these results were not confirmed by subsequent studies, and there is now a consensus that such supplements have no effect on performance during endurance exercise.
However, several ensuing studies then drew attention to the potential benefits of ketones when it comes to the rapidity and quality of post-exercise recovery. Ketones were found to have added value in terms of the speed of muscle glycogen resynthesis and endogenous EPO production.
More recently, research has now contradicted these earlier findings. The results of a very comprehensive, high-quality study show that taking ketones after competition or high-intensity training sessions has no effect on the quality of recovery.
As there is no compelling evidence that ketone supplements enhance performance or recovery, the UCI sees no reason for them to be used. Therefore, the UCI does not recommend the inclusion of such supplements in riders' nutritional plans.