The Ultimate Real Ketones Review: Are These Keto Supplements Worth It?
The ketogenic diet has soared in popularity over the last few years as a rapid weight loss solution. However, sticking to a ultra low-carb diet can be challenging. This is where keto supplements like Real Ketones come in.
But do these products actually help you achieve ketosis and lose weight more effectively? Or are you better off skipping them?
I‘ve thoroughly analyzed Real Ketones‘ entire product line to find out if they live up to the hype. Keep reading for the full scoop.
What is the Ketogenic Diet?
The ketogenic or "keto" diet is a very high fat, low carb eating plan that aims to force your body into ketosis.
Ketosis is a natural metabolic state where your body switches from burning carbs to burning fat and ketones for fuel instead.
By drastically cutting back on carbs to only about 5% of daily calories and emphasizing fats for around 75% of calories, keto pushes your body to start breaking down stored body fat into ketones.
In turn, these ketones become the prime energy source for your body and brain.
The proposed benefits of ketosis include:
- Rapid weight and fat loss
- Reduced appetite
- More consistent energy
- Better blood sugar regulation
- Improved mental clarity and focus
However, transitioning into a fat-fueled state can take weeks. Many people struggle with keto flu symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and cravings during this adaption period.
Supplements like Real Ketones claim to shortcut the process by directly providing ketones to your body. But are they proven to get results?
I‘ll reveal whether the science stacks up shortly. First, let‘s take a look at what Real Ketones sells.
Real Ketones Product Line Up
Real Ketones offers various powders, bars, chips and shots designed specifically for the ketogenic dieter including:
Powdered Drinks:
Keto Lean for Life Prime Sticks
Keto Daily Minerals & Electrolytes
Keto Bars:
Keto Lean High Protein Bars
Keto Lean Vegan Bars
Ketone Shots:
Keto E+ Energy Shots
Keto Pure BHB Shots
Crunchy Snacks: Keto Chips
Keto Nut Clusters
They also sell keto test strips, vitamins, apparel and accessories for new and seasoned keto dieters.
The hero ingredient included across many Real Ketones‘ products is their patented goBHB salts. These exogenous ketones are claimed to instantly put your body into ketosis.
Let‘s analyze these components further.
Do Exogenous Ketones Like goBHB Work?
Exogenous just means outside or external. So exogenous ketones provide an outside direct source of ketones to the body through supplements.
This contrasts with nutritional ketosis where your body produces its own ketones endogenously by breaking down fats.
The main exogenous ketones used by Real Ketones and other keto brands are BHB salts.
BHB stands for beta-hydroxybutyrate – it‘s one of the 3 ketone body types naturally created in your liver from stored fat when you restrict carbs.
Advocates claim supplementing with BHB salts can mimic this natural metabolic state of ketosis. But what does the research show?
Evidence on Exogenous Ketones for Weight Loss
According to an in-depth literature analysis published in Frontiers in Nutrition, there is moderate evidence demonstrating exogenous BHB salts transiently raise blood ketone levels.
However several longer term studies on athletes found no improvements in body composition or performance from BHB supplementation alone without carb restriction.
Researchers concluded:
"At present, despite increasing commercial publicity of exogenous ketones promoting weight loss and sports performance, there remains scant evidence to support these marketed claims."
This suggests Real Ketones goBHB is unlikely to magically burn fat without you also changing your diet.
Let‘s see what other potential benefits and side effects current science reveals.
Other Proposed Benefits
- May suppress appetite for a short time
- Could offer cognitive benefits like improved focus and clarity
- Evidence is still very limited with more research needed
Potential Side Effects
- Can cause temporary GI distress – bloating, diarrhea etc
- Artificially high ketone levels may inhibit natural ketone production
- Safety unknown for breastfeeding moms or people with conditions like chronic kidney disease
- Could reduce electrolyte levels
Based on the evidence, consuming supplemental exogenous BHBs like Real Ketones goBHB may provide an energy boost and other subjective benefits. But they won‘t replace healthy nutrition.
You still need to follow a well-formulated low carb or keto diet plan to achieve meaningful fat loss over time.
Okay, let‘s continue analyzing the rest of the Real Ketones lineup…
Detailed Analysis of Top Real Ketones Products
#1 – Real Ketones Keto Lean for Life Prime Powdered Drink Mix
Keto Lean for Life Prime powder is Real Ketones‘ flagship drink supplement containing goBHB salts. It also includes added caffeine, vitamins and electrolytes.
Ingredients & Nutrition
- Proprietary goBHB Blend – 11.7g
- Caffeine – 150mg
- Vitamin D3 – 121% DV
- Vitamin B12 – 417% DV
- Vitamin K2 – 80% DV
- Magnesium – 25% DV
- Potassium – 9% DV
This vitamin-packed ketone drink aims to accelerate weight loss, curb hunger, maximize energy and speed up ketosis.
It uses a stevia-based sweetener meaning no sugar or carbs. Each serving contains just 15 calories and comes in tasty fruit flavors.
Benefits
- May provide quick burst of energy/focus from BHBs & caffeine
- Helps meet increased electrolyte needs on keto diet
- No carbs or sugar
- Positive customer reviews on taste
Downsides
- BHB unlikely to contribute significantly to fat loss without dietary carb restriction
- Potential GI side effects
- Expensive compared to basic electrolyte supplements
Bottom Line
While research doesn‘t support fat burning claims, Lean for Life Keto Prime seems one of the better formulated products from Real Ketones. The added electrolytes and hydrating properties make it a reasonable option if you enjoy the taste and can afford it.
Just don‘t expect it to magically put you into ketosis without eating low carb too.
#2 – Real Ketones Keto Chips
If you‘re craving a salty crunchy snack that won‘t kick you out of ketosis, these keto-friendly chips could help.
They‘re baked not fried and made with wholesome ingredients like coconut oil MCTs, soy protein and added prebiotic fiber.
Nutrition Per 37g Bag
- 140 calories
- 12g protein
- 7g fat
- 9g net carbs
- 5g fiber
The 9g of digestible carbs is a little high for strict keto. But it fits for more moderate low carb and diabetic diets.
I like that these chips pack a hefty 12g protein punch too. That‘s pretty rare for a savory snack item.
The flavors and texture get good feedback though some reviewers say they have a "health food" aftertaste. But if you‘re sick of pork rinds, these chips offer a crunchy potato chip alternative.
Bottom Line
Overall these processed snack chips are pricier than making your own kale chips for example. However they‘re an occasional convenient option for low carbers missing that satisfying crunch.
#3 – Real Ketones Exogenous Ketone Shots
If you find ketone drinks too sweet or dilute, these shots and Pure BHB vials pack an extra strength concentrated kick.
They provide a direct dose of goBHB salts plus caffeine without the added flavors or sweeteners.
I‘d only recommend using occasionally for an urgent pick-me-up though, not as a daily staple. And definitely not before exercising as high doses may upset digestion.
Bottom Line
While hardcore keto dieters might appreciate the convenience, research doesn‘t support regularly ingesting concentrated ketone supplements for better weight loss or health.
Who is Real Ketones Best For?
Real Ketones products can definitely make the high fat low carb keto diet more convenient and palatable.
The ketone supplements seem best suited to:
- Keto vegetarians – the dairy-free vegan bars help meet higher protein targets
- Intermittent fastera – the nut clusters, chips and shots provide low carb snacking options to help curb appetite
- Endurance athletes – provides supplemental fuel source outside carbs
- Anyone wanting keto-friendly, highly portable snacks and drinks
However hardcore biohackers looking to "optimize ketosis" may prefer more science-backed brands like Perfect Keto instead.
And the expensive price tag means Real Ketones is unfortunately not accessible for everyone. Lots of people achieve awesome keto success without any special products.
But for those who don‘t mind splashing out, Real Ketones offers some tasty fuels to make low carb living more enjoyable.
Pros and Cons of Real Ketones
I‘ve analyzed the Real Ketones lineup in detail, so let‘s summarize the main positives and drawbacks:
Pros
- Products designed specifically for keto with minimal carbs
- Taste seems preferred over some competitor brands
- No dairy, soy or gluten for common food sensitivities
- Offer bars, drinks and savory snacks for variety
- May help some aspects like energy, cravings and electrolyte needs on keto diet
Cons
- BHB salts unlikely to drive meaningful weight loss without carb limitation
- More evidence needed confirming benefits beyond potential mild appetite suppression
- Higher price than making most snacks and fat burner drinks yourself
- Some flavors and products better rated than others
- Not clear if synthetic goBHB ketones may disrupt natural ketone production
As with most supplements, Real Ketones range seems helpful for convenience but not miraculous. Let your taste preferences and budget guide you.
Should You Buy Real Ketones?
Real Ketones supplements can definitely make adopting a ultra low carb ketogenic diet more convenient and enjoyable.
The bars, chips and nut clusters offer easy keto-approved snacking. While the powdered BHB mineral drinks provide an accessible way to meet increased electrolyte and hydration needs.
Just don‘t get swayed by aggressive marketing claims around ketones eliciting rapid weight loss or radically boosting performance and brain power. The evidence isn‘t there yet.
Remember, no amount of supplements will ever cancel out a poor diet. But strategic support in addition to real whole food nutrition may provide an advantage for some people.
If you already follow a well-formulated ketogenic program, have a little extra cash to spend and appreciate convenience, Real Ketones products could be worth incorporating.
Equally, if you prefer making things yourself or are on a tight budget, you can absolutely thrive without specialty products too!
At the end of the day, consistency with your eating plan always matters most.
Top 5 Real Ketones Alternatives
While Real Ketones makes some tasty keto snacks and supplements, you have plenty of other options too.
Here are 5 alternative brands offering low carb approved products.
- Perfect Keto – More science-backed ketone supplements and fat burners
- Kiss My Keto – Broader flavor range of keto bars, cookies and snacks
- Ancient Nutrition – Keto protein powders and collagen supplements
- High Key – Cheaper keto cookies, cereal and chocolate
- Dang Bars – Delicious high protein keto-friendly snack bars
Be sure to check your ingredients lists carefully regardless of what you choose. Track your results adjusting your diet first before relying on specialty products.
And as always, consult your healthcare provider before making significant changes.
Have You Tried Real Ketones?
I hope this complete guide has helped explain what Real Ketones has to offer along with an unbiased analysis of the evidence backing exogenous ketones.
Maybe you‘ve tried Real Ketones yourself or have questions I haven‘t covered?
Let me know in the comments! I love hearing your experiences.
