What are Ketones? 

In moments when your body needs a backup power source—whether it’s during intense exercise, a skipped meal, or extended mental focus—it has a remarkable way of keeping you going. That system is ketosis, and the molecules that fuel it are called ketones.

Ketones are naturally produced compounds that serve as an alternative energy source, most notably for the brain and heart. They’re part of a metabolic adaptation that’s helped humans survive long stretches without food by turning stored fat into usable fuel. But their value goes far beyond survival. Today, with advances in nutrition science and metabolic research, ketones are being recognized for what they truly are: a high-performance energy source with profound benefits for physical and cognitive health.

At Qitone™, we’ve harnessed this biology to create a revolutionary ketone powder that delivers these benefits without the downsides of previous supplements. The result is a fast-acting, flavorless ingredient that supports brain function, energy levels and metabolic resilience—no restrictive diet required.

How Ketones Work Inside the Body

Ketones are made in the liver through a process called ketogenesis. When glucose from carbohydrates is scarce, like during fasting or long periods of physical exertion, the body switches gears. It begins breaking down fat into fatty acids. But while most tissues can use these fatty acids directly, the brain cannot. Instead, the liver takes those fatty acids and converts them into ketone bodies, including the most prominent and powerful: beta-hydroxybutyrate, or BHB.

BHB then circulates through the bloodstream, entering tissues like the brain, heart and muscles, where it's used as a clean and efficient fuel. It produces more energy per molecule than glucose, and because it doesn’t spike blood sugar or insulin levels, it provides smooth, sustained energy over several hours. This helps maintain stable focus, physical stamina and metabolic balance especially during times of stress, fatigue, or low nutrient intake.

What’s unique about Qitone™ is that it delivers a compound called bis-octanoyl (R)-1,3-butanediol (BO-BD), which is metabolized through two distinct liver pathways into BHB. One pathway mirrors the body’s natural ketone production from medium-chain fatty acids, and the other uses a metabolism pathway to produce BHB from 1,3-butanediol. This dual mechanism makes Qitone fast and efficient at elevating ketone levels in the body, without any need to follow a ketogenic diet.

The Science Behind Exogenous Ketones

The idea of supplementing with ketones isn’t new. However, early formulations came with serious limitations—poor taste, gastrointestinal discomfort, and a failure to raise blood ketone levels significantly. Qitone changes that by using BO-BD, a novel pro-ketone compound studied in recent clinical trials for its performance, tolerability, and metabolic impact.

A 2023 study compared BO-BD to an earlier ketone di-ester, bis-hexanoyl (R)-1,3-butanediol (BH-BD). In a randomized, open-label crossover trial with healthy adults, both compounds significantly elevated blood levels of BHB within 30 minutes. The increase in ketone levels was dose-dependent and sustained for up to six hours. Importantly, participants rated BO-BD as significantly more palatable than BH-BD, making it a more viable option for consistent, daily use

The study also showed that BO-BD raised levels of octanoic acid (C8)—a medium-chain fatty acid known to support cellular energy metabolism—while BH-BD raised hexanoic acid (C6). Both compounds were hydrolyzed efficiently in the digestive tract, with BO-BD delivering a higher area under the curve (AUC) for beta-hydroxybutyrate, confirming its superior ketone delivery and bioavailability.

When consumed, Qitone begins working almost immediately. Clinical data shows it induces nutritional ketosis—a blood BHB concentration above 0.5 mmol/L—within just 15 to 30 minutes of ingestion. This state mirrors what someone might reach after multiple days of fasting or carbohydrate restriction, but without making any changes to their diet.

The Benefits of Ketones

Ketones are more than just an alternative energy source. They interact with nearly every major system in the body from fueling performance, supporting longevity all the way to promoting resilience under stress. Thanks to decades of research, we now understand that ketones like beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) aren’t just fuel; they’re powerful signaling molecules that influence how cells function, age and adapt. Here's how that translates into tangible benefits:

Cognitive function and mental clarity

One of the most well-documented benefits of ketones is their role in brain health. The brain uses a disproportionate amount of energy and ketones are uniquely suited to fuel that demand. When ketone levels rise, so does mental sharpness. Research using fMRI and PET scans shows that BHB increases brain oxygenation and boosts connectivity between neurons, helping enhance focus, working memory and reaction time.

What’s happening at a cellular level is equally compelling. BHB reduces oxidative stress in the brain and supports mitochondrial function, which is essential for generating the energy neurons need to communicate. For individuals who experience brain fog, whether due to stress, neurodivergence, menopause, or simply a poor night’s sleep, ketones can help restore clarity and mental agility quickly and effectively.

Clean, sustained energy

Unlike stimulants that spike cortisol and blood sugar, ketones provide a steady, reliable energy source that doesn’t wear off with a crash. When you consume Qitone, your body rapidly converts it into BHB, which starts circulating in your bloodstream within 15 to 30 minutes. This provides a clean-burning fuel that lasts throughout the day.

In fact, ketones deliver more energy per molecule than glucose and they do so without raising insulin levels or triggering inflammatory pathways. This makes ketones ideal for anyone seeking a healthier, more consistent energy boost whether for a long day at the office, endurance training, or simply getting through an afternoon slump.

Cardiovascular support

Ketones are emerging as powerful allies in heart health. The heart is one of the most metabolically active organs in the body and prefers ketones over glucose during periods of stress. Studies show that BHB enhances cardiac efficiency and helps regulate blood glucose and insulin sensitivity, both of which are critical for cardiovascular function.

Additionally, ketones may help improve endothelial function which is the ability of blood vessels to relax and contract properly. This plays a role in maintaining healthy blood pressure and circulation. In preclinical models, ketone supplementation has been linked to reduced pathological remodeling of the heart and improved cardiac output.

Metabolic resilience

The modern world challenges our metabolic systems every day. From constant snacking and high-carb diets to stress-induced hormonal shifts, our ability to regulate blood sugar and maintain metabolic balance is under constant strain. Ketones help restore that balance by stabilizing blood glucose and reducing insulin fluctuations.

BHB also inhibits histone deacetylases, enzymes involved in gene expression, triggering protective responses at the cellular level. This includes improved resistance to oxidative stress, better mitochondrial function and enhanced autophagy (the process by which cells clean out damaged components). These effects aren’t just short-term; they’re part of why ketones are increasingly studied in the context of healthy aging.

Physical endurance and recovery

During exercise, especially endurance activities, the body often depletes its glycogen stores. That’s where ketones step in. They provide an efficient alternative fuel source that can help extend performance and delay fatigue. Athletes who incorporate exogenous ketones report improved stamina, better focus under exertion, and faster recovery between training sessions.

But recovery isn’t just about energy. Ketones have also been studied for their anti-inflammatory effects and their ability to reduce muscle breakdown after exercise. In contexts such as overtraining or sleep deprivation, ketone supplementation may also help preserve physical and cognitive function.

Healthy aging and cellular protection

Perhaps one of the most exciting frontiers in ketone research is their connection to healthy aging. Scientists at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging have shown that long-term exposure to BHB can positively impact gene expression, reduce oxidative stress and support longevity pathways.

BHB acts on cellular pathways involved in inflammation, mitochondrial repair and protein homeostasis which are the three pillars of aging biology. These mechanisms may help slow the biological processes that lead to cognitive decline, loss of muscle mass and reduced metabolic flexibility. Importantly, Qitone allows individuals to tap into these benefits without the need for prolonged fasting or strict dietary restriction.

Ketones Without Compromise

Qitone makes it easier than ever to experience the benefits of ketones without the diet, without the bitterness and without the crash. Our formula is completely flavorless, stimulant-free and easy to integrate into your daily routine. Whether mixed with your coffee, blended into a smoothie or added to a recovery shake, Qitone delivers clean energy, clarity and metabolic support when you need it most.

At its core, Qitone is about unlocking the potential of ketones in everyday life. Whether you’re powering through a long workday, navigating neurodivergent challenges, recovering after intense training, or simply seeking a better way to support long-term health, Qitone helps you stay sharp, balanced, and energized—every single day.