Carbohydrate

This randomized, double-blind, crossover study investigates the effects of exogenous ketone supplementation on physical and cognitive performance in amateur endurance athletes during exhaustive exercise. Participants will complete three 3-hour cycling sessions under different nutritional conditions: carbohydrate alone (CHO), carbohydrate plus ketone (CHO-KET), and placebo (PLA). The study will assess cognitive function through validated computerized tests, physical performance via distance covered, and metabolic responses through blood biomarkers. Additionally, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) will be collected and cultured with LPS or not. Other PBMCs co-cultured with neuronal cells (SH-SY5Y) to investigate neuro-immune interactions. The primary hypothesis is that ketone supplementation will preserve cognitive function and enhance physical performance during prolonged exhaustive exercise compared to carbohydrate supplementation alone, potentially through anti-inflammatory mechanisms and alternative energy substrate provision.