How much do ketosis strips cost

The only way to tell was to set up a straighforward and easy to replicate experimental procedure that was exactly the same for each method. Then, under the umbrella of accuracy, I will address two qualities and how they differ across the testing methods — precision and consistency. After a fast of hours, I took two ketone reading from the same blood sample on the Keto-Mojo. See our blood ketone meter guide for more. Immediately after the blood test, I used the breath testing equipment, four times for each device.

I then moved straight to the urine strips, with four back-to-back readings from each of the brands. Finally, I tested my blood again with two more readings from the Keto-Mojo. The repetitive design of the experiment allowed me to evaluate the ketone measurement devices several times 4 readings across 4 tests, so 16 readings in total for each brand , which allowed me to look for both precision and internal consistency.

I chose to test when I was in full-blown ketosis, in moderate ketosis twice and out of ketosis, so I could see if the brands perform accurately in different conditions. This would also help me judge whether the measurements tell me what I ultimately want to know: Am I in ketosis, and if so, to what degree?

As you can see in the above results, with the exception of the Keto Stat breath meter, which was completely ineffective, all of the brands tested gave a decent indication of my level of ketosis. For the fourth test, I had been eating carbs for a few days and expected to be out of ketosis. The Keto-Mojo gave me elevated readings, but the other methods showed I was out of ketosis.

I figured it was some sort of fluke, so I ate more bread and tried again the next day bonus 5th test. Again, the Keto-Mojo was mixed, but high enough to indicate moderate ketosis, whereas the other methods showed no ketosis. It is hard to say. Given how well the meter performed in the last experiment, I can only guess that perhaps the set of 50 test strips that I purchased to begin this new experiment were slightly off. The Ketonix and LEVL are reportedly measuring the same thing concentration of acetone in the breath, in parts per million.

However, the results between the two devices diverge considerably. Which is correct? If you purchase one of these devices, you will come to know what the numbers mean for you based on repeated testing in various conditions.

Ketonix suggests that therapeutic ketosis begins at about 4. This matches up well with the testing I did. The first and second test showed levels well above 4. The last two tests were both below 4. LEVL suggests that fat burning begins at 2. The only reading I ever got below 3. However, given individual variation, my feeling is that the LEVL readings, relative to one another, were quite consistent.

The deeper my state of ketosis, the higher the LEVL reading. Out of ketosis 4 brands In ketosis 4 brands. The four brands of urine strips were indistinguishable, performing identically to one another. Based on this, I see these as a commodity product — my guess is that any reputable brand works and it is fine to shop based on price.

The color codes for interpreting strip color for the Kiss My Keto brand show a creamy, less fleshy color for the negative… I believe the other brands color charts are more accurate based on the colors I observed on the strips.

The testing methods vary in terms of precision, by which I mean the exactness of the ketone measurement. The digital meters both blood and breath give you a numerical reading, whereas the urine strips give you a color range. If you are into precision, you may struggle with the lack of an exact measurement provided by the urine strips; although directionally accurate, sometimes, a color can be between the colors on the chart.

Ultimately, the urine strips give you a sense of where you are, but not an exact reading. Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4 Test 5. There are larger questions about the precision of the urine strips.

Individual levels of acetoacetate in urine vary, and even within a particular individual, there is evidence that as the body becomes more accustomed to burning ketones, less acetoacetate spills into the urine. So urine strips may or may not work well for you.

That said, although I spend much of my time in ketosis, enough acetoacetate was present in my urine to give a good indication of my level of ketosis. Another aspect of accuracy is internal consistency. By this I mean, when testing the blood, breath or urine at roughly the same point in time, do I get the same result? For this reason, I tested each method four times at each testing occasion. On this metric, all of the testing regimes performed reasonably.

The Keto-Mojo bounced around a bit, particularly on the 5th test where it was struggling in general. The exact reading of the Ketonix varied a bit among the four data points for each test, but within a fairly tight band. With each and every test, it was internally consistent regarding whether I was in deep ketosis, in moderate ketosis, or out of ketosis. Likewise, the LEVL device showed variation at each test point, but remained internally consistent with average levels steadily decreasing as my level of ketosis diminished.

Finally, the urine strips were very consistent at each test point. When I dipped four strips in the urine sample at the same time, the color was always identical across the four strips and across the four brands as well.

Test 1 — 4 strips from two different brands. The Keto Stat was so consistent that it gave me a 0. That is too much consistency! As a result, it is disqualified. With any testing system, a potential customer should consider the total system price — the price of the initial investment for equipment if any , plus any ongoing expenses for necessary extras like, in the case of the blood ketone meters, more test strips.

The number of tests desired varies widely by user. For this review, I will look at a user who tests times, or a little more than once per day, over the course of six months. Are you comfortable with fairly detailed set-up instructions? If not, setting up the LEVL might be a bit much.

Will your glass of wine with dinner taint your results? If you buy a breath meter, the answer is yes. Do you want to store and track your ketone results?

Do you like a lot of feedback? Might you want to test several times a day just to see where you are? If so, consider the cost of incremental tests. Overall, we love the Ketonix for its easy, ick-free operation and the urine strips for their lack of set-up and ease of use! How should you test for ketones? All three methods can provide useful feedback.

Personally, I found the breath meter Ketonix to be reliable, easy, and fun to use. It hits the same price point as the blood ketone meters, and I liked not having to take a blood sample. When I send these devices back to the Diet Doctor office, it will be the one I miss the most! But for you as a potential buyer, it is really a trade-off between accuracy, price and the qualitative factors that YOU care about most. Which one suits your wallet, needs and personality?

Guide Ketone meters… Who needs one? You might. Are you in ketosis? Guide Are you eating enough fat on the keto diet? Find out the best 10 ways on how to eat increase your fat intake.

Get ready for a new, luscious take on deliciousness! Check out our guide to keto basics to learn more. Diet Doctor will not benefit from your purchases. We do not show ads, use any affiliate links, sell products or take money from industry. Obesity Silver Spring, Md. A word about fasting: you do not have to be fasting to get an accurate ketone test.

However, I wanted to minimize the chance that my ketone levels would change rapidly in the half hour testing window. The best way to minimize large ketone level fluctuations is to fast and refrain from vigorous activities. If you want to check your urine ketones day-to-day, stick with a specific time, like in the morning or several hours after your last meal of the day, for best comparison 8. The color corresponds to the concentration of ketones in your urine, which can range from no ketones to high concentrations.

The darker the color, the higher your ketone levels. Urine strips are an easy and convenient way to measure ketosis. Follow the directions on the kit for the most accurate results. Ketone blood meters are a reliable and accurate way to measure the ketones in your body 9 , 10 , Originally designed for people with type 1 diabetes, they also appeal to those following a ketogenic diet as a more accurate way to measure ketosis 7. You can usually find blood strips at any place that carries urine strips.

However, you will need a meter to read the blood strips as well. Many blood glucose readers will also read blood keto strips, even though the glucose strips are different from the keto strips. A preferable blood level of ketones for dietary ketosis is 0. Measuring the ketones in your blood is a more accurate but also more expensive way of measuring ketosis. But as you get deeper into ketosis, your body adapts to using ketones for fuel and becomes more optimized in producing them, leaving less unused If you want a more accurate reading, blood keto strips are a better option.

For healthy individuals, it can take several days on a keto diet to go into ketosis and a few more weeks thereafter to become keto-adapted 5. Some people mistake the keto diet for being low in carbs and high in protein. But consuming too much protein will not allow your body to enter ketosis For comparison, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that people get 16 :. Usually, consuming less than 50 grams of carbs per day will get you into ketosis.

That being said, everyone is different — some people may need to eat less while others can get away with more 5. A keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb and moderate-protein diet. It takes several days for your body to enter ketosis and several weeks thereafter to adapt to using ketones for fuel. In either case, the strips can help you monitor and adjust your diet accordingly to get into and maintain a level of ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state that can be caused by a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

Here are 10 signs and symptoms that you're in ketosis. Ketosis is a natural metabolic state on a very low carb diet and during starvation. This article explains what ketosis is and how it affects health.

Ketogenic diets have many powerful health benefits, but some people have trouble getting into ketosis. Here are 7 tips for how to get into ketosis.

The keto diet is becoming a trend among people looking for quick, dramatic weight loss. The ketogenic diet keto is a low-carb, high-fat diet that causes weight loss and provides numerous health benefits. This is a detailed beginner's…. Ketosis is a natural metabolic state that occurs on a very low-carb diet. It is considered to be safe, but may cause some side effects in the….