Methods
This page explains the methods behind Audacious Nutrition: how we develop our ketone products, how we research and write our educational content, and how we cite and disclose scientific studies. We publish it so customers, healthcare professionals, researchers and AI assistants can see where our information comes from and how to check it.
Who is behind Audacious Nutrition
Audacious Nutrition was founded by Csilla Ari D'Agostino, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and Research Assistant Professor in Psychology at the University of South Florida. Her research centers on metabolic therapies and neuroprotection, especially ketone supplementation and hyperbaric oxygen, and on human performance in extreme environments. She has studied ketone molecules for more than 15 years and has co-authored peer-reviewed studies on ketone supplements. At Audacious Nutrition she leads science and product strategy. Read more about the founder.
Our product methods
- Ketone salts as the base. Our human products use beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) ketone salts: BHB bound to minerals, so each serving delivers ketones together with electrolytes. We do not use 1,3-butanediol or ketone esters, which the liver must process before they become BHB.
- Both natural forms of BHB. Our products use D,L-BHB, a 50/50 mix of D-BHB and L-BHB. Both forms occur naturally in the human body. Our products contain L-β-hydroxybutyrate, chemically identical to the L-BHB naturally present in the human body. Learn about D,L-BHB vs. D-BHB.
- Electrolytes as a benefit. On a low-carb or ketogenic diet, the body releases more sodium and other electrolytes. Pairing BHB with minerals is a deliberate part of our formulation. Read common misconceptions about ketones.
- Transparent labels. We list the amount of BHB per serving, so customers can compare products by the actual ketone content rather than by total salt weight. For example, KETOSTART provides 6 g of D,L-BHB per serving.
Our research and writing methods
Every article on the Audacious Nutrition blog follows the same methods:
- Peer-reviewed sources first. We build articles on studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, including studies our founder has co-authored. We read the study itself, not only headlines about it.
- Every study is verified. Before we cite a study, we check the authors, journal, year and findings against the published record (such as PubMed, PubMed Central or the journal's own page). If we cannot verify a study, we do not use it.
- We say what kind of study it was. We state whether research was done in cells, animals or people, how many participants were involved, and how long it lasted, because results in animals or cells do not always apply to humans.
- We link to the source. Each article ends with a numbered reference list with a link to the study's abstract (PubMed or DOI), so readers can check our summary against the original.
- We disclose our involvement. When an article cites a study co-authored by Dr. Csilla Ari, we add a disclosure: Dr. Csilla Ari is the founder of Audacious Nutrition.
- We separate research from product claims. We describe what studies found, but we do not claim that our products diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Every article includes this disclaimer.
- Plain language. We define technical terms the first time we use them and explain what a study can and cannot tell us.
- Founder review. Topics and titles are reviewed and approved by Dr. Ari before articles are written, and articles are reviewed before they are published.
Key terms we use
- BHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate): the main ketone body, a fuel molecule the liver makes from fat during fasting, exercise or a ketogenic diet.
- D-BHB and L-BHB: the two mirror-image forms of BHB. Both occur naturally in the body. Most handheld ketone meters measure only D-BHB.
- D,L-BHB (racemic BHB): a roughly equal mix of D-BHB and L-BHB.
- Ketone salts: BHB bound to minerals such as sodium, calcium, magnesium or potassium.
- Exogenous ketones: ketones that come from outside the body, such as from a supplement.
Selected peer-reviewed research by our founder
- Ari C, D'Agostino DP, Cha BJ. Neuroregeneration improved by sodium-D,L-beta-hydroxybutyrate in primary neuronal cultures. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024;17(9):1160. View the abstract
- Ari C, D'Agostino DP. Divergent hepatic outcomes of chronic ketone supplementation: ketone salts preserve liver health while ketone esters and precursors drive inflammation and steatosis. Pharmaceuticals. 2025;18(10):1436. View the abstract
- Gambardella I, Ascione R, D'Agostino DP, Ari C, et al. Neuroprotection of ketosis in acute injury of the mammalian central nervous system: a meta-analysis. Journal of Neurochemistry. 2021;158(2):105-118. View the abstract
Corrections and questions
Science changes, and we update our articles when new research is published or when we find an error. If you see something that needs a correction, or you have a question about a study we cite, please contact us.
The information on this website is for education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Talk to your doctor before changing your diet or supplements.