Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Ameliorated by Keto-Adaptation Pilot

NCT07227363 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 40

Last updated 2026-05-08

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

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.

Conditions

  • PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Interventions

OTHER

Ketogenic diet

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).

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Exogenous Ketone 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Ohio State University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Madison Kackley, PhD · Ohio State University

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
40 Years
Sex
FEMALE
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-12-01
Primary Completion
2026-12-31
Completion
2026-12-31

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07227363 on ClinicalTrials.gov