You’ve probably come across the ketogenic diet if you have any interest in fitness, diet, or nutrition. The ketogenic diet, or keto diet for short, is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that causes the body to burn fat for fuel instead of glucose. The keto diet has been shown to improve blood sugar levels, improve cognitive function, and help with weight loss.
However, the keto diet can be hard to stick to because it’s very restrictive. A person who normally eats 2,000 calories a day has to limit their carbohydrates to less than 50 g/day. This means you have to cut out bread, pasta, potatoes, and most fruits. Not many people have the willpower to do this long term.
For those who want to get the benefits of a keto diet without following a strict diet, there are ketone supplements like Keto OS NAT by Prüvit. Ketone supplements supply your body with the same ketones your body makes naturally.
Keto os is an exogenous ketone supplement that promises better DNA repair, energy, immune function, focus, and fat loss.
Companies often advertise ketogenic products as breakthroughs or missing links to ultimate weight loss. So, in this keto os nat review we will look at:
- What is Keto os nat ?
- Keto os nat ingredients.
- Customer reviews on Keto OS
- The claims and whether Keto os nat works.
- Dosage and potential side effects
- Keto OS NAT Cost
What is Keto OS nat?
Before we get into what keto OS NAT is we need to understand a few terms (Ketosis and ketones).
Ketosis
Ketosis is a process that occurs when your body uses fat as its main fuel source. Normally, your body uses blood sugar (glucose) as its key energy source.
You typically get glucose in your diet by eating carbohydrates (carbs) such as starches and sugars. Your body breaks the carbohydrates down into glucose and then uses the glucose as fuel. Your liver stores the rest and releases it as needed.
When your carb intake is very low, these glucose stores drain down. Since your body doesn’t have enough carbs to burn for energy, it burns fat instead. As your body breaks down fat, it produces a compound called ketones. The ketones, or ketone bodies, become your body and brain’s main source of energy.
The fat your body uses to create ketones may come from your diet (nutritional ketosis), or it may come from your body’s fat stores. Your liver produces a small amount of ketones on its own. But when your glucose level decreases, your insulin level decreases. This causes your liver to ramp up the production of ketones to ensure it can provide enough energy for your brain. Therefore, your blood has high levels of ketones during ketosis.
This process of switching your metabolism into “fat-burning” mode is the underlying reasoning behind the popular ketogenic “keto” diet, a very low carb diet designed to help you achieve ketosis or become a “fat burner” for weight loss and improved energy.
Any noteworthy weight loss program has to have ways to reduce body fat for it to work.
There are two categories of ketones:
- Endogenous ketones. These are the ketones your body makes naturally when it’s in ketosis.
- Exogenous ketones. These are the ketones that come from a supplement. These most often come in the form of ketone salts, which helps the body absorb them better.
Pruvit Keto//OS Nat is an exogenous ketone supplement that contains ketone salts, amino acids, and a branded version of Cat’s Claw designed to help your body get into ketosis.
Keto OS stands for “Ketone Operating System,” is offered in a variety of flavors. It comes as a powder in both bulk containers and “on-the-go” (OTG) packets and is meant to be dissolved in cold water.
Keto OS NAT supplement supplies the same ketones your body makes naturally during ketosis. This means you can experience many of the benefits of ketosis without having to follow a strict low-carb ketogenic diet.
The type of ketone found in Prüvit OS supplements is called beta-hydroxybutyrate.
Ketone Supplements
There are two forms of exogenous ketone supplements:
- Ketone salts: This is the form found in most ketone supplements available on the market, including Keto OS. Ketone salts contain ketones that are most commonly bound to sodium, calcium or potassium to increase uptake.
- Ketone esters: Ketone esters are primarily used in research and are not currently available to consumers. This form consists of pure beta-hydroxybutyrate without other additives.
Aside from beta-hydroxybutyrate, Prüvit Keto OS supplements contain caffeine, MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) powder, malic acid, ascorbic acid and the natural, zero-calorie sweetener Stevia.
Prüvit Keto OS supplements are gluten-free but do contain milk ingredients.
Who is behind NAT ketones
Keto OS supplements are developed by Pruvit a company based in the United States of America. Keto OS NAT started in September 2018 as a new division of Pruvit Ventures, Inc. This division advertises dietary and nutritional supplements that feature ketones as the active ingredients.
The company is headed by a serial entrepreneur called Brian Underwood. Pruvit is an MLM company even though they sell products on the website. They consider all consultants to be “promoters”. There are two levels to join with promoter packs. The mini pack offers 5 flavors at 20 servings each for $497. The max pack offers 10 flavors at 20 servings each for $910. The max pack also comes with rewards that we think apply to your business status with the company.
Pruvit has a BBB Rating of B and is not BBB accredited. They earned 4.64 out of 5 stars with an average of 235 customer reviews. In the last three years, Pruvit has closed 99 complaints. Of those, 17 are within the past year.
How Do Prüvit Keto OS Supplements Work?
Prüvit claims that Keto OS supplements allow consumers to reach a state of nutritional ketosis within 60 minutes of consuming them.
This may be attractive to those who are turned off by the hard work and dedication it takes to get the body into a state of ketosis through a ketogenic diet, which can take weeks.
Side Note: You can take a look at this program on How To Lose Body Fat In Your 30’s.
The standard ketogenic diet is typically composed of 5% carbohydrates, 15% protein and 80% fat. It can be hard to follow for a prolonged period of time.
Exogenous ketone supplements were created to provide people with a shortcut to reach ketosis and experience its related benefits without having to follow a strict diet or partake in fasting.
In contrast to the slow rise of ketones associated with following a ketogenic diet, drinking an exogenous ketone supplement like Keto OS results in a rapid rise in blood ketones.
After being ingested, beta-hydroxybutyrate is absorbed into the bloodstream and then converted into an effective energy source for the body.
The appeal of exogenous ketones is that they raise ketone levels even when the consumer is not in a state of ketosis before ingesting them.
It has been purported that reaching nutritional ketosis through supplementation can deliver the same benefits as reaching ketosis through a ketogenic diet or by fasting. These benefits include weight loss, increased energy and mental clarity.
Keto OS NAT Ingredients
Keto OS NAT, like other ketone supplements, uses a series of ketone molecules and other ingredients to metabolize fat and help you lose weight.
The following overview provides a breakdown of Keto OS NAT ingredients:
R-Beta Hydroxybutyrate
The active ingredient in Pruvit’s Ketone supplement is the ketone salt called BHB.
Ketone salts are ketones that are bound to mineral salts or amino acids that can be dissolved in water. Beta hydroxy acid is an organic compound essential for the metabolism of fat.
In humans, the liver’s synthesis of this compound produces ketone bodies which are made whenever the digestive system goes into fasting mode. When produced naturally, the compound helps convert fat reserves into energy and reduces inflammation. According to the journal Annual Review of Nutrition, the “ketone body BHB, a fasting fuel and fasting signa offers promise for the improvement of human health span and longevity.”
L-Taurine
The amino acids taurine and leucine are also included in the product, but the amount you need in the body is unknown.
Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning your body needs more of it during times of increased stress or illness.
L-taurine constitutes a significant portion of the large intestine bile used for digestion, and it also helps builds proteins in the brain, eyes, and heart. People whose bodies do not produce enough l-taurine can benefit from the supplement ingredient, but the kidneys automatically excrete excess l-taurine in otherwise healthy persons.
According to the journal Biomolecules & Therapeutics, “because taurine is a naturally occurring substance that exhibits few adverse side effects and plays a fundamental role in the function of most mammalian cells, the future of taurine as an effective therapeutic agent and a nutritional supplement is seemingly bright.”
Fermented L-Leucine
Leucine is an essential amino acid and one of the three branched chain amino acids. It plays a role in building muscle, regulating human growth hormone, and may help reduce body fat.
In contrast to l-taurine, l-leucine is an essential amino acid that the body cannot manufacture on its own. Instead, most people obtain l-leucine from food or supplements. According to the journal Nutrients, “potential beneficial effects [are] dependent on weight loss.”
C-Med 100
C-Med 100 is a commercial extract of the cat’s claw vine (Uncaria tomentosa). Based on research presented from the National Center for Integrative and Complementary Medicine, “cat’s claw appears to be safe when used orally for short periods of time.”
Erythritol
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol made from glucose fermented with yeast. Erythritol has a zero glycemic index and, therefore, it does not cause spikes in blood sugar.
The ingredient does not cause cavities or tooth decay since mouth bacteria cannot metabolize erythritol for fuel. However, since erythritol is excreted from the body undigested, it does not send satiety signals to the brain to indicate fullness. As a result, erythritol may be an unsuccessful sugar substitute for appetite suppression.
Rebaudioside A
Rebaudioside A is a chemical compound that is 200 times sweeter than conventional sugar. Derived from a plant native to South America, rebaudioside A is one of the most popular sugar alternatives added to beverages and candy.
Although the FDA has approved rebaudioside A for human consumption for over a decade, research published in Physiology & Behavior found that large concentrations may trigger cravings for more calories.
Caffeine
Caffeine is the stimulant used as an energy booster in the “charged” version of Keto OS NAT. Keto OS NAT also offers a decaffeinated version since caffeine can cause jitters in some individuals (or when consumed on an empty stomach).
This supplement also contains a proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals such as B6, B12, and calcium.
Customer Reviews on Keto OS NAT
Most consumers who join the ketogenic diet may use supplements such as Keto OS NAT and as such we need to give a proper review from other customers about their experience. Let’s take a look at some of the NAT ketones reviews.
“I ordered a box of this while eating keto and lost 10 pounds in a week. I love them but they are super expensive. I asked my family to order me more since my birthday is coming up. Wish I could keep ordering these. They taste amazing and am super happy that they curbed my appetite.”
Desiree
“Tried it for several days and got none of the promised benefits.”
Gary C Schick
“This is a MLM scheme. Supplementing with synthetic ketones leads to expensive urine and that is it. The high amounts of caffeine in it do of course give you “energy”..The ketones though…you see them straight out; they never reach your bloodstream. Your body creates its own ketones when it is under stress because it has no carbohydrates (sugars) to use for energy, this is achieved by the keto diet. Somebody though is clearly getting very rich scamming those with very basic if no scientific knowledge.”
Overall NAT ketones has an average star rating of 4.5/5 on Amazon and a 4.6/5- star rating on Trustpilot.
Does Keto OS NAT Work?
Keto OS NAT claims that its fermented formula can absorb quickly to send the body into a ketosis state faster (i.e., in “less than an hour”). Since this is a brand-new product, there have been no independent studies to confirm these claims.
Accurate testing for ketosis typically requires a blood ketone levels test (since this is more reliable than a urine test or breath test). To verify that Keto OS NAT can work, users would need to undergo a (usually expensive) blood test within the hour to confirm whether the body has achieved ketosis.
Keto OS NAT also claims that its product line’s molecular structure works to repair cells, balance amino acids, and improve the immune system. While several of the ingredients have been shown to restore cell DNA and stimulate amino acids in laboratory animals, these methods require testing on human subjects to verify that they work on people. Finally, there is currently no evidence that the product can alter the immune system.
How to take Keto OS NAT
Pruvit recommends taking Keto OS NAT at least twice a day: once before 9:00 am and another before 7:00 pm. Each serving comes in a sachet that should be mixed into 8-32 oz of cold water.
It is also recommended that you drink half your body weight in water daily to help flush out the minerals in the product.
As mentioned, the mineral content of the ketone salts is extremely high.
If you took 2 packets a day, you would be consuming 80% of your daily sodium needs. The average sodium intake for most people is already around 3400 mg per day, which is significantly beyond the recommended 2300 mg.
If you didn’t change anything else in your diet, this product could put you at significant risk of high blood pressure, kidney damage, or electrolyte imbalances.
Many people take ketones before and during exercise or before an athletic event to give them extra energy and focus.
It’s best to take Keto OS NAT on an empty stomach, as the first thing in the morning. Not only are the ketones absorbed better, but eating a meal already gives your body the energy it needs which makes ketones unnecessary.
You should avoid taking them before bed as the extra energy it gives you may interfere with your sleep.
Benefits of Keto OS NAT
Although research is limited, studies have found multiple benefits of supplementing with exogenous ketones like those found in Keto OS NAT.
Controls your appetite and may help with weight loss
By keeping your appetite in check, ketones may help you lose weight.
In one study, people taking a ketone supplement reported less hunger compared to those consuming a sugary drink.
Ketones work by reducing levels of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates appetite and is normally elevated during weight loss.
While ketone supplements have never been tested for weight loss benefits in humans, they have led to increased weight loss in mice.
However, there may be certain benefits to the ketogenic diet that you can’t get by supplementing ketones.
May Improve Exercise Performance
Ketones may help you perform better in the gym. During intense exercise, the body requires more glucose to use as fuel. When it can’t get enough glucose, your performance suffers.
By giving your body an alternative energy source, ketones help spare glucose. This means you’ll have more energy to exercise as you don’t have to rely solely on glucose.
In one study of 39 elite athletes, ketone supplementation improved endurance.
Alternative pre-workout supplements include Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard and Animal Pak.
Improves Blood Sugar Levels
Taking exogenous ketones has been shown to significantly lower blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels and are linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
May help slow cognitive decline and support overall brain health
Ketones may help people who have Alzheimer’s disease or are struggling with cognitive decline.
Alzheimer’s disease reduces the brain’s ability to use glucose for energy. Ketones help sidestep this issue by providing an alternate source of energy.
Ketone supplementation improved cognitive function and memory in study of 20 people with either mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease.
Ketone supplements may also help protect the brain from damage caused by Parkinson’s disease by reducing inflammation.
Allows you to experience the benefits of following a strict ketogenic diet without doing so
This is arguably one of the most appealing benefits of taking ketone supplements. They allow you to enter ketosis without having to greatly reduce your carb intake or suffer through the “keto flu.”
Keto OS Dangers & Side Effects
Pruvit likens the side effects of their exogenous ketone supplements to the side effects of starting the ketogenic diet. Just like during your first few days of keto, KETO//OS products have a diuretic effect that can lead to water and mineral depletion.
Other potential side effects and dangers include:
Digestive issues
One of the most common side effects of exogenous ketone supplements is stomach upset, including diarrhea, stomach pain, and gas.
Bad breath
During the first week of the ketogenic diet, acetone (one of the ketone bodies) is created in high enough quantities that it can be exhaled with each breath. This can also occur after taking exogenous ketones.
Might cause hypoglycemia
Ketone supplements can reduce blood sugar levels, making it crucial for those with diabetes to consult their doctor before use.
May trigger disordered eating
Though Pruvit advocates for a healthy keto or low carb lifestyle, their marketing and educational materials promote the need for a quick ketosis fix and seemingly magical solution for fat loss struggles without any legitimate evidence to support their claims. As a result, buying into their supplement system can provoke the very same disordered eating behaviors that we often try to avoid by going low carb.
Is The State of Ketosis Healthy?
While there is some research suggesting that a keto diet may be beneficial for some people, mostly on a short-term basis, there isn’t any convincing medical research suggesting that the average person would benefit from existing in a state of ketosis year-round.
There is some early medical research suggesting that a keto diet may be beneficial for overweight and obese patients, because it’s associated with weight loss short-term. However there isn’t enough research to make that claim for long-term results.
Overall, keto may be beneficial for some patients, but you should speak with your doctor about whether the diet (or exogenous ketones) is right for you, because the determination would need to be made based on individual medical factors.
Can I Enter Ketosis from Drinking Ketones?
Ketosis is the state of burning fat instead of glucose for energy. This can be achieved by adhering to a very-low-carb diet (typically less than 50 or so grams of carbs), or by consuming exogenous ketones.
When the body breaks down fat for energy, it produces ketones, according to the University of California. These ketones are formed in the liver, and some people feel healthier when adhering to a diet that allows them to burn fat for energy.
A medical review of the advantages and disadvantages of the keto diet, published in the Cureus journal, found that a keto diet may have beneficial effects for patients with hypertension and diabetes. The researchers noted that the diet may lead to cardiovascular risks over time due to its unfavorable effects on cholesterol levels.
Another way to burn ketones for fuel is simply to consume them, regardless of diet.
Pruvit Lawsuit
There is an ongoing lawsuit against Pruvit initiated by an organization called the Environmental Research Center. The company alleges that Pruvit contains levels of lead in their products that were higher than California’s Prop 65 benchmark.
There are research reports documenting lead in drinking water, lead in food, and more. What’s important is the level of the lead, because the dose makes the poison. The Environmental Research Center doesn’t seem to have published this level in their lawsuit.
The dietary supplement standards put forth by the European Union (E.U.) have more research-backing than those published by the state of California. They are more reasonable in our opinion, and the E.U. is widely thought to have the best consumer protections in the world.
Cost and where to buy keto OS NAT
Pruvit Ketone supplements cost $130 for 20 servings when purchased from the Pruvit website. If you have to take 2 per day, this means you would be spending over $260 for a 20-day supply.
You can save around $30 if you subscribe to a monthly shipment, but this doesn’t apply to the first month.
You can find Keto OS NAT on the Pruvit website, where they have multiple different purchase options and a variety of helpful links explaining how everything works. You can also get the product on Amazon.
Keto OS NAT and Weight Loss
The new Keto OS NAT formula claims to help individuals achieve weight loss by causing the body to reach ketosis more quickly and thus enable weight loss. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, a proper ketogenic diet can help obese patients achieve weight loss (usually under a physician).
Medical professionals may also administer exogenous ketones at the prescription level. However, it is unlikely that a ketone supplement can cause significant weight loss without lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
Keto OS NAT high-profile ingredients (such as l-leucine and erythritol) assist with weight loss. For instance, the brand cites a 2009 study that l-leucine supplements encouraged weight loss and an early 1990s study that erythritol may benefit low-carb diets.
Most of these positive reports have been based on animal studies (e.g., rats and mice). Researchers would need to replicate the results on humans to support the belief that Keto OS NAT helps with weight loss.
Exogenous ketones by their own, DO NOT burn your fat off. You still need to manage your diet. Exogenous ketones support the process of entering and staying in ketosis.
Keto OS NAT Pros and Cons
While the product has some positive aspects for people curious about ketosis, there are some negatives that you should keep in mind.
Pros
- Dairy-free and gluten-free product
- Available in eleven flavor options
- The fermented state may aid in absorption
- Branded ingredient C-Med contains antioxidants
Cons
- Very expensive compared to similar alternatives
- High in various sugar alcohols and substitutes
- Not suitable for pregnant or nursing women
- Contains high levels of minerals, which could lead to imbalances and high blood pressure.
- Limited evidence to support use of ketone salts.
Should You Take Prüvit Keto OS Supplements?
Using exogenous ketones, especially by people not following a ketogenic diet, is a new trend.
Some evidence shows that these supplements can boost athletic performance, increase mental performance and decrease appetite, but studies providing conclusive results on the benefits of these supplements are limited.
Hopefully, as the use of exogenous ketones continues to be explored, the potential benefits and risks of using these supplements will be better established.
For people who are already following a ketogenic diet and want to reach ketosis a bit quicker or for athletes looking for a performance boost, an exogenous ketone supplement like Keto OS may be beneficial.
However, due to the limited information on the effectiveness and safety of these supplements as well as the high cost, it may be a good idea to hold off on investing in Keto OS supplements until more scientific studies prove their benefits.
Additionally, most of the studies examined the benefits of ketone esters, not the ketone salts that are found in supplements, like Keto OS, available to consumers. Although there are some ketone ester products being developed for public consumption, there aren’t any available at this time.
Since little is known about the effects that exogenous ketones may have on different people, it’s always best to consult your doctor before taking these supplements.
Conclusion
Exogenous ketones, like Pruvit Keto//OS NAT may help you get into ketosis faster, but if you don’t change your diet these results will not be sustained.
Pruvit Keto//OS NAT also comes with significant side effects, particularly for people at risk of high blood pressure. Generally, it is more logical for consumers interested in keto to achieve ketosis through diet rather than exogenous ketones.
Any brand that promises fast results appeals to our desire to achieve a certain body weight quickly. However, an expensive product with little “tried and true” evidence for results may not be worth the investment. Interested users should compare other ketogenic products before deciding if the new Keto OS NAT is worth the cost.