The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) wishes to clarify its position regarding the use of ketone supplements by cyclists. Ketones are chemical compounds naturally produced by the human body that are used by muscles during exercise when glucose is scarce. Ketones can also be taken orally in the form of dietary supplements.

The use of dietary supplements containing ketone bodies (ketones) has become popular in endurance sports, particularly in road cycling, after the publication of scientific results from a 2016 study. The study results suggested that ketones taken before or during physical exercise could improve bicycle performance. However, these results have not been confirmed by subsequent studies, and now there is a consensus that such supplements have no effect on endurance exercise performance.

Subsequently, several studies drew attention to potential benefits of ketones in terms of post-exercise recovery speed and quality. It was discovered that ketones have added value in terms of muscle glycogen resynthesis speed and endogenous EPO production. More recently, research has contradicted these previous results. The results of a very comprehensive and high-quality study demonstrate that taking ketones after competition or high-intensity training sessions has no effect on recovery quality.

Since there is no convincing evidence that ketone supplements improve performance or recovery, the UCI sees no reason why they should be used. Therefore, the UCI discourages the inclusion of such supplements in riders' nutritional plans.