The Endurance Lab
The Endurance Lab
Jusman So
Why Ketone Supplements Work Better for High-Carb Runners
1 hour 16 minutes Posted Jul 31, 2026 at 11:00 am.
Ketone Research Background01:48 Endogenous vs Exogenous Ketosis07:02 Why Supplements Reduce Fat Burning08:14 Metabolic Health Benefits Compared10:48 Keto Weight Loss Explained13:48 Keto vs High Carb For Runners20:52 Sports Gels Metabolic Risk27:10 Types of Ketone Supplements33:18 D vs L BHB Differences36:07 BHB Thresholds and Tradeoffs38:51 Acute vs Sustained Ketone Dosing40:21 Ketogenic Marathoner Scenario46:11 High Carb Athlete Reality Check48:43 Recovery and Adaptation Focus50:53 Why Performance Can Drop53:46 Practical Advice for Runners54:52 Recovery Benefits Breakdown01:00:02 Brain and Inflammation Potential01:08:46 Metabolic Health Takeaways01:09:56 Defining Endurance Closing
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Why Ketone Supplements Work Better for High-Carb Runners🫁 Save $100 on Tymewear Pro Training MembershipCode: E-LABTW26👉 https://www.tymewear.com/E-LABTW26Most runners assume that if ketones are beneficial, the athletes already producing the most ketones naturally would benefit the most from ketone supplements. But the science suggests something more complicated.In this episode of The Endurance Lab, I sit down with ketone researcher Dr. Jonathan Little to break down the surprising differences between nutritional ketosis and exogenous ketones — and why ketone supplements may actually make more sense for high-carb endurance athletes than runners following a ketogenic diet.We discuss:- Why taking ketone supplements is NOT the same as being in ketosis- The difference between endogenous ketosis and exogenous ketones- Why ketone supplements raise insulin and suppress fat burning- Why keto-adapted runners may get less benefit from ketone supplements- Whether ketone esters can actually improve marathon performance- The truth about ketones as the “fourth macronutrient”- Ketone supplements vs carbohydrates for endurance performance- Whether high-carb runners should consider ketone esters- The potential role of ketones in recovery, glycogen replenishment, inflammation, sleep, and brain health Jonathan Little has spent over a decade researching ketones, ketogenic diets, metabolic health, insulin resistance, and exercise physiology. His work helps separate the hype around exogenous ketones from what the science actually shows.00:00 Ketone Research Background01:48 Endogenous vs Exogenous Ketosis07:02 Why Supplements Reduce Fat Burning08:14 Metabolic Health Benefits Compared10:48 Keto Weight Loss Explained13:48 Keto vs High Carb For Runners20:52 Sports Gels Metabolic Risk27:10 Types of Ketone Supplements33:18 D vs L BHB Differences36:07 BHB Thresholds and Tradeoffs38:51 Acute vs Sustained Ketone Dosing40:21 Ketogenic Marathoner Scenario46:11 High Carb Athlete Reality Check48:43 Recovery and Adaptation Focus50:53 Why Performance Can Drop53:46 Practical Advice for Runners54:52 Recovery Benefits Breakdown01:00:02 Brain and Inflammation Potential01:08:46 Metabolic Health Takeaways01:09:56 Defining Endurance Closing