A. Fuel For Thought® is a functional food based on a proprietary blend of coconut oil and other food grade ingredients. It is specially formulated to provide a convenient and delicious means of consuming coconut oil, giving rise to modest-to-moderate increases in the normally occurring levels of ketones in the body.
Back to TopA. It has been well documented, for over fifty years that ingestion of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) derived from coconut oil, gives rise to a modest elevation in blood ketone levels. It has also been established that ketones are the principal alternative fuel for the brain, when the brain's primary energy source (glucose) is unavailable or in short supply. Fuel For Thought® has been clinically proven to produce an elevation in blood ketone levels, owing to its enhanced content of MCTs.
Back to TopA. Ketones (beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, and acetone) are normally found in the blood. They are formed by the liver from fatty acids released into the blood by the body's fat stores. An increase in the blood ketone levels is a normal adaptive response, that occurs when the supply or availability of glucose-the brain's principal fuel-is curtailed (e.g. during fasting, strenuous exercise, adherence to a high-fat, very-low-carbohydrate and moderate-protein "ketogenic diet," and starvation). In nutritional or metabolic situations (e.g. Alzheimer's , Parkinsons or some other neurological diseases) when the brain's ability to use glucose is compromised, ketones can be used to fill the energy gap by serving as an alternative source of fuel.
Fuel For Thought® has been clinically proven to produce an elevation in blood ketone levels, thus making them available as fuel to the brain.
Back to TopA. Ketoacidosis is a life-threatening metabolic condition that occurs primarily in people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM) who are not properly controlled by insulin and diet. The ketone levels generated by Fuel For Thought® (and even the much higher ones that develop during prolonged starvation) do not begin to approach the high values that cause dangerous ketoacidosis. The elevated ketone levels (although still within the acceptable physiological range) generated in normal individuals who have been subjected to starvation (for example, during a famine) are often life-saving, because ketones help the starving body conserve its essential protein stores.
Back to TopA. There is no evidence of adverse long-term effects on LDL-cholesterol reported from the use of the ingredients in Fuel For Thought®. The coconut oil in Fuel For Thought® has not been hydrogenated, and therefore does not produce or contain any trans-fats. There is some evidence in scientific literature (see our resource pages on our website) that the fats in coconut oil do not adversely affect cholesterol levels. However you should always consult your own doctor with regard to any questions about your personal health.
Back to TopA. The short chain length of medium-chain fatty acids make them liquid at room temperature and they are therefore more readily digested than the usual long-chain fatty acids found in dairy products and meat. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) make up about 63% of the fat in coconut oil. Coconut oil contains more MCFA than any other natural food. Ketones readily cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and there is evidence that at least some MCFA may cross the BBB as well. It seems likely that MCFA crossing the BBB can be metabolized by brain cells; however, this important question has not received the investigative attention it deserves. The high proportion of MCT in coconut oil is unique amongst foods, including all other food oils and fats. While long-chain fatty acids cannot cross the BBB and are not available as fuel for the central nervous system, ketone bodies, which are derived mostly from MCTs, are readily used by the brain.
One of the major components of Fuel For Thought® is lauric acid, a very large component of coconut oil, which has been reported in scientific literature (see our science resources) to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Although these properties have not yet been definitively studied, it is notable that lauric acid makes up a significant proportion (6%) of the fat in human milk, contributing to newborn health. Lauric acid is often included in lists of coconut oil MCFA but the ketone generating potential of lauric acid is minimal. While lauric acid consumption in substantial amounts increases total cholesterol, that elevation is primarily attributable to high density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as "good" cholesterol. As a result, some experts believe that lauric acid actually has a more favorable effect on total HDL cholesterol than any other fatty acid, either saturated or unsaturated. Fuel For Thought® never contains any hydrogenated oils and is totally free of trans fats.
Back to TopA. We strongly recommend that you keep your physician informed of the fact that you are taking Fuel For Thought®. Cognate does not encourage or suggest that you change any of your medications, regimens or other health related behaviors without consulting your own physician.
Back to TopA. We make no claims or recommendations that Fuel For Thought® diagnoses, treats, cures or prevents any disease or condition. The FDA has neither evaluated our product nor any statements made by Cognate. There is documented and reported scientific evidence that ketones can be helpful to certain people with cognitive disorders. We refer you to our extensive resources of scientific articles on the subject. We also suggest you visit our blog: fuelforthoughtblog.com. Many people have recounted their personal experiences with taking Fuel For Thought®. We always encourage you to consult your physician regarding any of your personal health matters.
Back to TopA. No. Fuel For Thought® is composed of all food-grade ingredients classified by the FDA as "GRAS" (Generally Recognized As Safe) and contains the same wholesome ingredients that are present in many everyday foods and therefore allowed for general consumption without prior approval. Fuel For Thought® and all Cognate products are prepared in government certified and licensed facilities.
Back to TopA. Fuel For Thought® is composed entirely of wholesome food ingredients, which are primarily based on and derived from virgin coconut oil. We have added some naturally derived, FDA approved preservatives only to extend shelf life and allow for shipping. It is vegetarian, gluten-free, with no fructose, sucrose, cholesterol or trans fats. It is very low in sodium.
Back to TopA. A functional food is a food product to which a new ingredient or more of an existing ingredient has been added so that the resulting product has a new or enhanced function, often related to health. Functional foods are part of the wide range of products that individuals may consume to increase their health. By its categorization of Fuel For Thought® as a functional food, Cognate makes no claim that Fuel For Thought® is intended to or does in fact diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease or condition. The FDA has neither evaluated Fuel For Thought® as a product, nor any statements made by Cognate.
Back to TopA. Cognate does not recommend the use of Fuel For Thought® by anyone under the age of 18. It should be discussed with the child's pediatrician.
Back to TopA. The recommended serving of two tablespoons (1 oz.) contains 104 calories
Back to TopA. If you are not physically very active, it would be prudent to adjust your caloric intake, with an emphasis on the reduction of the long-chain saturated fats in your diet (the primary fats in many meats and dairy products). The substitution of Fuel For Thought® and elimination of saturated fats such as those in red meat and processed meat products may well have a beneficial effect on your overall health, including your LDL cholesterol level. (See Bibliography on our website for more information.)
Back to TopA. For the same reason that you can't get all of your body's energy needs in a once-a-day pill, you can't supply all of the brain's requirements in one serving. In fact, although the brain occupies only 2% of your total body weight, it consumes 23% of your daily energy requirements. Fuel For Thought® is a delicious and convenient liquid designed to provide a consistent supply of ketones throughout the day.
Back to TopA. No. Raspberry ketone is not at all the same chemical that gives Fuel For Thought® its activity. Raspberry ketone is a natural phenolic compound that is the primary aroma component of red raspberries. It is used in perfumery, cosmetic and as a food additive to impart a fruity odor and is prepared industrially for those uses. The resulting chemical, p-Hydroxybenzyl acetone is sometimes recommended or weight control (and is unproven in its efficacy). The active ingredients in Fuel For Thought®are β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate, which are ketones naturally derived in the human liver from MCT's (such as those in the coconut oil used in Fuel For Thought). These ketones are readily used by the brain as an alternative fuel. While raspberry ketones are an industrial by-product, all the ingredients in Fuel For Thought®are food-grade, GRAS, and are converted by routine metabolic processes in the body to naturally produce ketones, which are a fuel for the brain.
Back to TopA. Dr. Newport does recommend our product as an easy, convenient and delicious way to gain the benefits of consuming coconut oil. It is important to point out that while Dr. Newport served as a member of our Scientific Advisory Board during our development phase, she received no monetary compensation for recommending our product or for her involvement with our company.
Back to TopA. Our Fuel For Thought®formulation is more concentrated in the beneficial ingredients than what Dr. Newport recommends. We suggest taking one of our 1 ounce bottles two times per day. You may take it with or without food. If you choose to consume more, please increase your use slowly over a few days, depending on how your body responds. Overconsumption of Fuel For Thought® may lead to gastrointestinal side effects in some individuals, such as bloating, nausea and diarrhea. If this should occur, please lower your consumption or stop use for a few days and restart slowly. We recommend that you not exceed four bottles per day. As always, if your symptoms of distress are serious or last more than a short while, please consult your physician immediately.
Back to TopA. We expect to begin shipping overseas in early 2013. It is important to let us know what country you live in so we can research what we need to do in order to be able to ship to you at a later date. Please send an inquiry to info@cognatenutritionals.com.
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