Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Ameliorated by Keto-Adaptation Pilot

Part of paid clinical trials in Columbus, Ohio.

Sponsor
Ohio State University
Study ID
NCT07227363
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
FEMALE
Age
18 Years - 40 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Ketogenic diet — OTHER
    A well-formulated ketogenic diet designed to achieve nutritional ketosis (β-hydroxybutyrate ≥0.5 mmol/L). The diet emphasizes non-starchy vegetables as the primary carbohydrate source (20-50 g/day), moderate protein intake (1.2-1.6 g/kg/day), and sufficient dietary fat for energy and satiety. All meals and snacks will be provided during the initial two weeks, followed by a self-guided phase with ongoing dietitian support and education materials. Participants will monitor daily fasting ketones and glucose using a handheld analyzer (KetoMojo).
  • Exogenous Ketone Supplement — DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
    A dietary supplement containing a ketone ester designed to elevate circulating β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations to nutritional ketosis levels without carbohydrate restriction. Participants will consume the supplement throughout the 12-week intervention while following a balanced, mixed diet consistent with USDA dietary guidelines.

Study Details

The SPARK- Pilot study (Symptoms of PCOS Ameliorated by Responses to Keto-adaptation) is a 12-week clinical trial at The Ohio State University designed to explore how different ways of achieving ketosis may improve reproductive and metabolic health in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: * A ketogenic diet group, following a low-carbohydrate, nutrient-dense meal plan. * A mixed diet plus ketone supplement group, following general dietary guidelines while taking an exogenous ketone supplement. The study will measure whether these approaches help restore regular ovulation and improve hormone balance, metabolism, and overall well-being. Optional imaging using MRI will also examine heart and ovarian health. This pilot study will help researchers understand if ketogenic nutrition strategies are a safe, effective way to support menstrual regularity and reduce PCOS-related symptoms, providing groundwork for larger clinical trials.

Key Dates

Start date
Dec 1, 2026
Status verified
May 2026
Primary completion
Dec 31, 2026
Completion
Dec 31, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
40 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE

Arms

  • Experimental: Ketogenic Diet (KD)
    Participants in this arm will follow a well-formulated ketogenic diet designed to achieve and maintain nutritional ketosis (β-hydroxybutyrate ≥0.5 mmol/L). The diet will include non-starchy vegetables as the primary carbohydrate source (20-50 g/day), moderate protein (1.2-1.6 g/kg/day), and sufficient fat for energy and satiety. All meals and snacks will be provided for the first 2 weeks, followed by self-guided adherence with support from the study dietitian and educational resources. Daily fingerstick ketone and glucose levels will be monitored using KetoMojo.
  • Active Comparator: Mixed Diet + Exogenous Ketone Supplement
    Participants in this arm will follow a balanced, mixed diet aligned with USDA macronutrient recommendations while consuming an exogenous ketone supplement throughout the 12-week intervention. The supplement is designed to raise circulating β-hydroxybutyrate to nutritional ketosis levels without carbohydrate restriction. As with the KD arm, all meals and snacks will be provided for the first 2 weeks, followed by self-guided adherence with ongoing dietitian support.

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in Ovulatory Status [ Time Frame: Baseline to 12 weeks ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
The Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhio43210-1442
Madison Kackley
[email protected]
6142479650

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By research site
The Ohio State University· Columbus, OH

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