UCI statement: World governing body advises against ketone supplements in cycling

On 20 October 2025, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced its official position on the use of ketone supplements in cycling. In a press release, the world governing body recommends not taking these supplements as there is no convincing scientific evidence of their performance-enhancing effect or regeneration benefits. "As there is no convincing evidence that ketone supplements improve performance or recovery, the UCI sees no reason for their use. Therefore, the UCI does not recommend the inclusion of such supplements in riders' nutrition plans," the statement reads. Ketones are chemical compounds that are naturally produced by the human body and can be used by the muscles as a source of energy during physical exertion when glucose is in short supply. In addition to the body's own production, ketones can also be taken in the form of dietary supplements. The use of such supplements has increased significantly in cycling in recent years, especially after a scientific study from 2016 suggested possible performance benefits.

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Scientific findings on ketones

The UCI bases its recommendation on recent scientific findings that refute previous assumptions about the effectiveness of ketone supplements. According to the UCI statement, initial research from 2016 had suggested that taking ketones before or during exercise could improve cycling performance. "However, these results have not been confirmed by subsequent studies and there is now a consensus that such supplements have no effect on endurance performance," explains the UCI. The initially assumed benefits in regeneration after intensive training sessions or competitions, particularly with regard to the speed of glycogen resynthesis in the muscles and endogenous EPO production, have also been refuted by more recent research results. A recent, comprehensive, high-quality study shows that taking ketones after competitions or high-intensity training sessions has no effect on the quality of recovery.

Legal status and team position on ketones

Despite the recommendation against the use of ketone supplements, the UCI has not issued any bans or restrictions on their use. The supplements remain legal and are not on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) banned list. This means that cyclists can use them without sanctions. Adam Becket of Cycling Weekly reports: "The recommendation against ketones comes because the UCI says they have no effect, not because they are performance enhancing. This recommendation is not legally binding and riders and teams can continue to use them." The UCI's position is in line with that of the Mouvement Pour un Cyclisme Crédible (MPCC), a voluntary association of teams committed to clean cycling. The MPCC had previously issued a recommendation against the use of ketones and called on the UCI to clarify its position on this issue.