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The Complete Guide to Potential Keto Gummies Side Effects

The keto diet has soared in popularity in recent years as an effective way to lose weight, burn fat, and improve health. Keto gummies have emerged as a convenient shortcut for getting into ketosis. However, there are some potential keto gummies side effects to be aware of.

This comprehensive guide will explore common keto gummies side effects, explain why they happen, and provide tips to avoid or minimize them. We'll also bust some myths and answer frequently asked questions about keto gummy safety and results.

What Are Keto Gummies?


Keto gummies are a type of dietary supplement designed to help your body get into and maintain ketosis. Ketosis is a natural metabolic state where your body switches from burning carbohydrates for energy to burning fats.

This shift to fat burning leads to increased energy, accelerated weight loss, and other health benefits for many people. However, getting into ketosis can be challenging through diet alone.

Keto gummies can make achieving ketosis easier. They contain key ketosis-boosting ingredients like beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) salts, MCT oil powder, exogenous ketones, and amino acids.

BHB is one of the main ketone body molecules produced when your body is in ketosis. The exogenous BHB from keto gummies raises ketone levels in your bloodstream, essentially tricking your body into entering ketosis more quickly.

Do Keto Gummies Work?


Multiple studies have found that consuming exogenous BHB ketones through supplements like keto gummies can:1

  • Raise blood ketone levels
  • Suppress appetite
  • Increase weight loss
  • Improve mental clarity and focus


However, keto gummies aren’t a magic solution. You still need to follow a low carb, high fat ketogenic diet to experience the full benefits. Think of keto gummies as more of a “boost” rather than a replacement for dietary and lifestyle changes.

When used alongside a well-formulated keto diet and exercise program, keto gummies can enhance and accelerate ketosis and fat burning. But the supplements alone won’t put your body into ketosis if you’re still consuming lots of carbs and sugar.

Potential Keto Gummies Side Effects
While generally safe, keto gummies do come with some potential side effects, especially when first starting out. Being aware of these possibilities can help you minimize or avoid them. Common temporary side effects can include:2,3

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Irritability
  • Increased hunger
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Rashes


These side effects tend to occur in the first 1-2 weeks as your body adapts to ketosis. Staying hydrated, getting enough electrolytes, easing into your keto gummy dose, and making sure to eat enough healthy fats can help minimize adverse effects.

More serious side effects are rare but possible if you over-consume keto gummies or have certain underlying conditions. These may include:

  • Kidney stones or damage
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Ketoacidosis (in type 1 diabetics)
  • Liver problems
  • Nutrient deficiencies
  • Dehydration


Below we’ll explore these keto gummies side effects in more detail, along with tips to prevent or treat them.

1. Headaches

Headaches are one of the most commonly reported side effects when starting keto gummies or any ketogenic diet.

There are a few reasons keto headaches happen:4

Low electrolytes – Cutting carbs leads to reductions in sodium, potassium and magnesium. Having insufficient electrolytes can trigger headaches.
Caffeine withdrawal – Your body may be used to getting small hits of glucose from coffee and other caffeinated drinks.
Dehydration – Being in ketosis makes you excrete more water. Not drinking enough can cause headaches.
Adaptation period – Your body and brain are accustomed to using glucose for fuel. Shifting to ketones triggers an adaptation phase.
To prevent or treat keto headaches:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and electrolyte beverages. Broth and mineral water can help.
Make sure you’re getting enough sodium, potassium, and magnesium through keto-friendly foods or supplements.
Cut back on caffeine to prevent withdrawal effects.
Try a cup of bone broth which can replenish electrolytes and soothe headaches.
Use over-the-counter pain medications as needed.
Make sure you’re eating enough calories and fats. Too steep of a calorie deficit can trigger headaches.
Most keto-related headaches go away within 1-2 weeks as your body adapts to using ketones and fatty acids for fuel. Exogenous ketones from gummies can help ease this transition.

2. Dizziness

Dizziness or lightheadedness when starting keto gummies can stem from:

Blood sugar changes – Your body was used to frequent glucose spikes and crashes. Naturally lowering carbs leads to steadier blood sugar levels which can briefly cause dizziness as you adapt.
Electrolyte imbalances – Like headaches, low sodium, potassium, or magnesium can trigger temporary dizziness in some people.
Dehydration – Ketosis increases water loss, so not drinking enough fluids can exacerbate lightheadedness.
Blood pressure drops – The diuretic effect of ketosis combined with low electrolytes, caffeine withdrawal, and dehydration may cause temporary blood pressure drops.
Here are some tips to minimize dizziness on keto:

Stay hydrated and sip bone broth or electrolyte drinks throughout the day.
Monitor your blood pressure and consult your doctor if it remains low after the initial adaptation phase.
Increase sodium, potassium, and magnesium intake via diet or supplements.
Stand up slowly to avoid blood pressure drops.
Move carefully for the first 1-2 weeks and use caution operating vehicles or machinery if you feel lightheaded.
Dizziness and lightheadedness should resolve within the first couple weeks once your body has fully adapted to ketosis and homeostatic balances are achieved. Keto gummies containing electrolytes can potentially help reduce dizziness as well.

3. Fatigue

Feeling tired and a lack of energy is another common side effect when transitioning into ketosis with the help of keto gummies. A few reasons this can happen include:

Adaptation period – Your body is used to relying primarily on carbs for quick energy. It takes time for your cells to adjust to efficiently using fat and ketones for fuel instead.
Electrolyte depletion – Low sodium, potassium, and magnesium can contribute to weakness and fatigue.
Not enough calories – Consuming too few calories on keto can leave you feeling drained. Make sure you’re eating enough healthy fats.
Caffeine withdrawal – If you normally rely on caffeine for energy, cutting back can have a temporary fatiguing effect.
Dehydration – Ketosis causes water loss, which can exacerbate fatigue if you don’t drink enough fluids.


The good news is keto flu fatigue is temporary and resolves within 1-4 weeks typically. Ways to boost energy levels include:

  • Replenishing electrolytes from foods and/or supplements.
  • Eating enough calories and fat. Don’t overly restrict.
  • Allowing time for your body to adapt to ketosis.
  • Taking it easy with exercise in the beginning.
  • Getting enough quality sleep each night.


Using MCT oil or exogenous ketones from gummies to directly fuel your brain and muscles.
Once adapted, most people report feeling even more energetic than before starting keto thanks to stable energy from fat and ketones!

4. Nausea

Nausea, especially in the first few weeks of keto, often stems from:

Low blood sugar – Your body was used to frequent blood sugar and insulin spikes. The transition to steadier glucose levels on keto can initially cause nausea.
Stomach irritation – Eating more fat may irritate your GI tract until it adapts. Too much MCT oil too quickly can also cause nausea.
Food sensitivities – You may have food intolerances you didn’t know about that are revealed on keto. Dairy, eggs, nuts, and processed meats are common culprits.
Electrolyte imbalances – You guessed it…low sodium, potassium, and magnesium are linked with nausea!
Calorie deficit – Over-restricting calories and fat in an attempt to accelerate weight loss will backfire and potentially cause nausea.


Here are some strategies to beat keto-related nausea:

Stay well hydrated with water and mineral-rich beverages.
Add more salt to your food or take electrolyte supplements.
Have small, frequent meals rather than large ones less often.
Avoid excessive MCT oil, especially in the beginning. Start slow.
Remove potential food sensitivities and keep a food journal to identify triggers.
Make sure you’re eating enough overall calories and fat.
Ginger, peppermint, and chamomile tea may ease nausea.
Try motion sickness bands designed to reduce nausea.
As with other symptoms, nausea typically resolves within 1-2 weeks once your body has adapted to ketosis. Keto gummies that contain ginger or digestive enzymes could also potentially help minimize nausea.

5. Diarrhea or Constipation


GI distress in the form of diarrhea or constipation is common when first transitioning to keto. Causes include:

Diarrhea

A high fat intake – If your body isn’t used to lots of dietary fat yet, it can cause loose stools until adapted.
Magnesium supplements – Too much magnesium at once can have a laxative effect.
Artificial sweeteners – Sugar alcohols like malitol and erythritol found in keto snacks and baked goods commonly cause diarrhea.
Food sensitivities – As noted above, keto can reveal food intolerances that lead to diarrhea, like dairy or eggs.
“Keto flu” – Electrolyte imbalances and dehydration contribute to loose stools.

Constipation

Dehydration – Ketosis causes water loss through urine and breath, which can lead to constipation if fluids aren’t replaced.
Low fiber intake – Heavily restricting carbs cuts out fiber from grains and some veggies.
Dairy intolerance – Problems digesting dairy are common and linked with constipation.
Electrolyte depletion – Low magnesium and potassium affect muscle contractions involved in bowel movements.
Calcium supplements – Calcium can have a binding, constipating effect.
You can reduce diarrhea or constipation by:

  • Staying hydrated to maintain regular bowel movements.
  • Getting sufficient fiber from low carb vegetables, nuts, seeds, and berries.
  • Avoiding common triggers like sugar alcohols and excess dairy if you’re sensitive.
  • Taking a probiotic supplement to support digestion.
  • Adding bone broth or herbal teas to ease constipation.
  • Using magnesium supplements cautiously and spread out doses to avoid diarrhea.
  • Considering a stool softener or laxative during periods of constipation.


Diarrhea and constipation from keto gummies should resolve within 1-2 weeks as your digestion adjusts. Some gummies include prebiotics or probiotics that can further help minimize GI issues.

6. Irritability


Feeling cranky, restless, or experiencing mood swings is not uncommon when transitioning into ketosis. Causes include:

Blood sugar fluctuations – Your body was accustomed to sugar highs and crashes. Leveling out glucose can make you irritable as you adapt.
Caffeine withdrawal – Cutting back on coffee and tea to reduce carbs can temporarily worsen mood.
Fatigue – Low energy from keto flu can translate into a more negative outlook.
Dietary restrictions – Limiting carbs and favorite comfort foods can increase irritability initially.
Electrolyte imbalances – You know the drill - low sodium, potassium, and magnesium affect your entire body, including moods.
The good news is that keto-related grumpiness and mood swings do improve. Helpful tips include:

Understanding it’s temporary and communicating about it with friends and family.
Making sure you continue to enjoy tasty keto meals and snacks. There are still lots of delicious options!

  • Drinking plenty of water and replenishing electrolytes.
  • Adding yoga, meditation, or breathwork into your routine to relieve stress.
  • Starting a workout plan you enjoy to boost endorphins.
  • Taking time outs when you feel irritable or moody.
  • Considering probiotics which influence gut-brain connections.5
  • Using essential oils like lavender and chamomile to calm your mind.


Within 1-3 weeks max, keto irritability and mental fog give way to much steadier energy and improved concentration once your body has adapted to ketones as its main fuel source.

7. Increased Hunger


Many people mistakenly assume the keto diet leads to decreased appetite automatically. In reality, you may experience increased hunger when first transitioning into ketosis. Reasons include:

Habit and carb cravings – Your body and brain were accustomed to regular influxes of glucose. Breaking habits and cravings takes time.
Calorie deficit – Eating at too much of a calorie restriction can backfire and increase hunger. Make sure you’re eating enough.
Expectations – People assume keto suppresses appetite immediately. When that doesn’t happen they get discouraged and hungry.
Adaptation period – It takes time for your blood sugar to stabilize, cravings to subside, and body to adapt to fat as energy. Patience is key.
Here are some ways to help control hunger on keto:

Make sure you’re eating enough calories and fat. Too steep of a deficit can trigger hunger.
Manage expectations that increased appetite may happen in the short term but does improve.
Keep hydrated with plenty of water and electrolytes which can reduce false hunger.
Find alternatives for high-carb foods you crave, like keto bread, muffins, etc.
Use intermittent fasting cautiously. It can help with hunger but may be too advanced for keto beginners.
Get enough sleep and manage stress, both of which influence grehlin, the “hunger hormone.”
Distract yourself with activities when cravings hit. Time controls hunger!
Use keto gummies between meals to help regulate appetite if needed.
After a few weeks, most people report feeling less hungry on keto than before. Keto gummies containing glucomannan or other fiber may also aid with appetite suppression.

8.Trouble Sleeping

Having difficulty falling or staying asleep when adapting to keto is very common. Potential reasons include:

Melatonin suppression – Some research indicates ketosis and high fat intake can mildly suppress your body’s natural melatonin production.6
Caffeine sensitivity – With lower carb intake, your body may clear caffeine faster making it easier to disrupt sleep.7
Electron transport chain - Changes in cell energy production during adaptation slightly boost nighttime alertness temporarily.
Stress & excitement – The enthusiasm and novelty of starting keto can also make it harder to unwind and sleep.
Dehydration – Ketone production causes water loss which can exacerbate insomnia.
Here are some tips for improving sleep quality on keto:

  • Avoid caffeine after noon or consider eliminating it altogether if you’re very sensitive.
  • Take melatonin supplements temporarily in the evenings.
  • Have tryptophan-rich evening snacks like turkey, eggs, or pistachios.
  • Drink soothing herbal teas before bed like chamomile or valerian.
  • Take magnesium supplements which calm the nervous system and muscles.
  • Get regular exercise during the day but not too close to bedtime.
  • Establish a consistent sleep-wake cycle and calming bedtime routine.
  • Use blue light blocking glasses if screens before bed disrupt your sleep.
  • Try meditating, journaling, or relaxing yoga poses to wind down.
  • Use ear plugs or a sleep mask if outside noises wake you up.


Keto insomnia often naturally resolves within 1-2 weeks as melatonin signaling adjusts and your sleep cycle regulates. Some keto gummies include ingredients like lemon balm, glycine, or L-theanine to promote sleep as well.

9. Rashes


A small percentage of people report developing temporary skin rashes when starting keto and taking keto supplements. Potential causes include:

Yeast overgrowth - Reducing carbs seems to allow naturally occurring yeasts like Malassezia to proliferate before the body adjusts.8
Ketones irritating skin – Some mild irritation is possible as ketones and ketone salts increase in the bloodstream.
Food reactions - Dairy, eggs, nuts, and processed meats are common keto staples that can cause skin reactions if you have a mild sensitivity to them.
Dehydration - Insufficient fluid intake concentrates salts and ketones in the blood leading to potential itching or rashes.
Too rapid fat loss - Losing weight very quickly may temporarily release toxins into the bloodstream which the skin excretes through rashes.
You can troubleshoot keto rashes by

Here are some tips for minimizing or treating keto rashes:

  • Stay hydrated to allow the body to flush ketones and decrease skin irritation.
  • Slow weight loss to no more than 2 lbs per week to avoid overflow toxins.
  • Monitor for food sensitivities and remove common offenders like dairy and eggs.
  • Take antihistamines, use hydrocortisone cream, or try colloidal oatmeal baths to reduce itching.
  • Use antifungal shampoos and keep skin clean to prevent yeast overgrowth.
  • Wear loose, breathable fabrics like cotton that won’t trap heat and sweat.
  • Supplement with zinc and vitamins A, C, D, and E which support skin health and healing.
  • Try probiotics which may help rebalance gut bacteria and yeast.<sup>9</sup>
  • Consider stopping keto gummies temporarily and reintroducing slowly.

For most people, keto rashes are mild and clear up on their own within 1-2 weeks as the body adapts to ketosis. See your doctor for a rash that worsens or becomes painful.

Unfounded Myths About Keto Gummy Side Effects

Now that we’ve explored legitimate potential keto gummy side effects, let’s dispel some unfounded myths and exaggerated claims.

Myth: Keto gummies will damage your liver or kidneys

Fact: There is no evidence that keto gummies cause liver or kidney damage in healthy people. In fact, research shows keto may improve these biomarkers.<sup>10</sup>

Cases of liver issues occurred after sustained and excessive intake well above the recommended dosages. As with any supplement, stick to normal serving sizes and consult your doctor if you have existing liver or kidney disorders.

Myth: Keto gummies cause ketoacidosis

Fact: Ketoacidosis is a pathological state most commonly seen in type 1 diabetics when blood sugars get too high. It does NOT occur in non-diabetics following a well-formulated ketogenic diet.

Keto gummies raise safe levels of blood ketones to between 0.5 - 3.0 mM. Ketoacidosis occurs at 15-25 mM blood concentration, which is not possible for healthy people to reach through diet, exercise, or supplements alone.<sup>11</sup>

Myth: Keto gummies will disrupt your metabolism

Fact: This myth often cites incorrect interpretations of the “starvation response.” Long-term starvation can slow your BMR (basal metabolic rate) as an adaptive survival mechanism.

However, the mild calorie deficits and high-fat intake of keto diets do NOT trigger a starvation response or permanently slow your metabolism. Studies show keto sustainably boosts fat burning without slowing your BMR.<sup>12</sup>

Myth: Keto gummies compromise nutrition

Fact: Critics claim ketogenic diets are nutritionally inadequate or imbalanced. But properly formulated keto diets can easily meet all your micronutrient needs from high quality foods.

Many keto gummies even contain added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to optimize your nutrient intake. Keto gummies with fiber and MCTs provide nutrition as well. There’s nothing inherently nutrient-deficient about keto.

Tips to Minimize Potential Keto Gummy Side Effects

Here are some key strategies to reduce the likelihood of adverse side effects when starting keto gummies:

  • Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of water and mineral-rich beverages to avoid dehydration which exacerbates most side effects.
  • Replenish electrolytes - Get enough sodium, potassium, and magnesium through whole foods or supplements.
  • Ease into your dose - Start with 1 gummy per day and slowly increase over 2-3 weeks to allow your body to adjust.
  • Follow a proper keto diet - Don’t overly restrict calories or nutrients. Eat enough fat and calories to feel satisfied.
  • Avoid overconsumption of dairy and processed meats - These common triggers can cause GI issues if you have sensitivities.
  • Take probiotics - Probiotic supplements support digestion and gut health which influences side effects.
  • Get enough sleep - Adequate sleep minimizes fatigue, irritability, headaches, and hunger.
  • Exercise - Regular movement provides energy, elevates mood, and helps your body adapt.
  • Be patient - Trust the process and understand temporary side effects are common as your body transitions.

The majority of side effects only last about 1-2 weeks as your body becomes keto-adapted. Consult your healthcare provider if any worrisome or prolonged symptoms occur.

Frequently Asked Questions About Potential Keto Gummy Side Effects

Q: Do keto gummies work without the keto diet?

Keto gummies are designed to complement and enhance a keto diet, not serve as a replacement. Consuming keto gummies while continuing to eat lots of carbs and sugar is unlikely to produce results. Follow a low carb, high fat ketogenic diet along with keto gummies to successfully get into ketosis.

Q: How long do keto gummy side effects last?

For most people, potential side effects like headaches, fatigue, nausea, and irritability last approximately 1-2 weeks on average as your body adapts to ketosis. Some people feel fine right away while others take closer to 4 weeks to fully adjust. Hydration, electrolytes, diet, and lifestyle all impact how quickly symptoms resolve.

Q: Can you build muscle and workout on keto gummies?

Yes, you can build muscle and maintain an exercise routine while taking keto gummies. Your performance may temporarily decrease during the initial adaptation phase. But once keto-adapted, many people report feeling even stronger and more energetic during workouts thanks to stable energy levels. Some keto gummies even contain MCTs, protein, and amino acids to directly support muscle.

Q: Do you have to take keto gummies forever to stay in ketosis?

No, keto gummies are generally used short-term to help ease the transition into ketosis, after which dietary and lifestyle habits keep your body burning fat. Some people take lower dose keto gummies periodically for an extra ketone boost during plateaus or before big events. But you don’t need to take them indefinitely.

Q: Can keto gummies raise blood sugar?

No, keto gummies shouldn’t directly increase blood glucose levels. However, certain ingredients like tapioca fiber and maltitol may impact individuals differently. High ketone levels from gummies signal your body to burn more fat, which can indirectly stabilize blood sugar long-term in people with insulin resistance. Those with diabetes should monitor closely when starting keto gummies.

Key Takeaways: Minimizing Potential Keto Gummies Side Effects

  • Keto gummies side effects like headaches, nausea, and fatigue are usually temporary, lasting 1-2 weeks as your body adapts to ketosis.
  • Staying hydrated, getting electrolytes, starting with smaller doses, and allowing time to adjust all help minimize adverse effects.
  • Serious side effects only occur from excessive overuse or if you have certain underlying conditions.
  • Many reported side effects stem from overall dietary changes rather than keto gummies directly.
  • Following a well-formulated keto diet and avoiding excessive calorie deficits lessens the likelihood of side effects.
  • Patience, lifestyle modications, and taking recommended dosages prevents most keto gummy side effects.

Hopefully this complete guide has provided you with a balanced understanding of potential keto gummies side effects while debunking myths and exaggerated claims. Be sensible by starting gradually, sticking to serving sizes, and allowing time for your body to adapt.

With proper usage alongside a healthy keto diet, keto gummies can help accelerate ketosis and fat burning with minimal side effects for most people. As always, consult your doctor, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.

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