2015 Science Summit: Disruptive Nutrition

Quick Overview

Disruptive Nutrition, a start-up company, is developing a ketone supplement that aims to provide the benefits of a ketogenic diet without the dietary restrictions. Ketones are natural compounds produced by the body during certain situations, such as fasting or consuming a high-fat diet. They can serve as an efficient energy source for the body, including the brain, and have important roles in signaling and communication. In animal studies, the ketone supplement showed promising results in improving motor function, learning, memory, and reducing seizures in a mouse model of Angelman Syndrome. The company is currently in the product development stage and aims to bring the supplement to market as a medical food, which would require clinical data to support treatment claims. The supplement would be used under the supervision of a physician and may be suitable for individuals who cannot adhere to a strict ketogenic diet.

Introduction

The 2015 FAST Science Summit featured a talk by Donna Herber, Mike McCandless, and Angela Poff from Disruptive Nutrition. The team discussed their work on developing a product that aims to benefit individuals with Angelman Syndrome. Donna Herber, with 23 years of experience in medical science research and product development, introduced the project. Angela Poff then explained the science behind the product, and Mike McCandless, with 17 years of experience in developing nutritional supplements, discussed the manufacturing aspect.

What are Ketones?

Ketones are natural compounds produced by the body during certain situations, such as calorie restriction, fasting, or consuming a high-fat diet. They are an efficient energy source for the body and can replace glucose as the brain’s primary fuel. Ketones also have important roles in signaling and communication in the body, and they are protective, especially for the brain. They have anti-inflammatory properties, decrease oxidative stress, and improve motor performance.

Ketone Supplementation

Since the body only produces ketones in specific situations, researchers are developing ketone supplements to provide the benefits of ketones without the need for dietary restrictions. These supplements can elevate blood ketone levels and provide sustained duration of elevated ketones. They can also elevate all three types of ketone bodies: beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, and acetone.

Mouse Studies on Angelman Syndrome

Dr. Ed Weeber’s lab at the University of South Florida conducted studies on a mouse model of Angelman Syndrome. The mice were given a diet where 10% of the food was replaced with a ketone supplement. The results showed an elevation in blood ketones, improved motor performance, and enhanced learning and memory in the treated mice compared to the untreated ones. The ketone supplement also reduced seizures and delayed the onset of seizures in the mice.

Product Development Pathway

Disruptive Nutrition is currently in the product development stage. They are working on scaling up production, building testing standards, and exploring different formulations for the ketone supplement. The goal is to develop a medical food that can be used under a physician’s care. The product will be calorie-dense and available in various formats, including gel caps and formulations suitable for tube feeding.

Collaboration with Medical Professionals

The use of the ketone supplement will require collaboration between nutritionists, physicians, and other medical professionals. The goal is to ensure proper monitoring of blood ketone levels, weight gain, tolerability, and dosage. The supplement will be used under a physician’s supervision and will be part of the nutritional management for patients with Angelman Syndrome.

Conclusion

Disruptive Nutrition aims to develop a ketone supplement that can provide the benefits of ketosis without the need for strict dietary restrictions. The supplement will be a medical food used under a physician’s care and will be available in various formats. The team is working on scaling up production and ensuring the safety and efficacy of the product. The ultimate goal is to improve the lives of individuals with Angelman Syndrome and potentially other neurological disorders.