Ketonix vs Precision Xtra vs Ketostix for Newbie

caharris7
caharris7 Posts: 14 Member
edited November 13 in Getting Started
I am just now doing all my research and prep for a change from Paleo to a Keto lifestyle. I'd like to test my glucose and ketone levels to see how my carb intake will affect both levels. There are good/bad reviews for all of these: Ketonix Breath ketone monitor; Precision Xtra Glucose and Ketone Monitor; and then just plain old Ketostix. What do folks recommend for a newbie? If I'm going to do this, I want to make sure I do it right!

Replies

  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    You might enjoy the low carb group: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group

    If you want to test blood glucose and blood ketones, which is the most accurate way of gauging your ketone production, I would get the monitor that does both! I've used ketostix, and they're less useful after you've adapted and you aren't peeing away ketones.
  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1236978/breathalyzer-for-ketosis-check

    @caharris7 the above thread is an informal review of all three meters that are commonly used.

    I use the $15 breath analyzer off Ebay most days for a quick check and the Precision Xtra blood meter every few months and check my BG at the same time since one prick does both. All three detect different things so there is no 1:1 correlation.

    A few days ago I did both blood and blow tests. The blood ketones were 2.3 and I blew ,052 on the breath analyzer. As long as I blow a .025+ I know I have not been over 50 grams of carbs.

    Welcome to MFP forums and best of success.

    Oh yes meters are discussed on another MFP forum listed below if you want check it out. You do have to request a membership but at a click of the mouse you can remove yourself if you do not like it for any reason. I know there must be others but it is a great keto group.

    community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group


  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    caharris7 wrote: »
    I am just now doing all my research and prep for a change from Paleo to a Keto lifestyle. I'd like to test my glucose and ketone levels to see how my carb intake will affect both levels. There are good/bad reviews for all of these: Ketonix Breath ketone monitor; Precision Xtra Glucose and Ketone Monitor; and then just plain old Ketostix. What do folks recommend for a newbie? If I'm going to do this, I want to make sure I do it right!

    Only the Precision Xtra does blood glucose and blood ketones (specifically betahydroxybutyrate). It's the definitive item against which you assess other methods. Disadvantage are the test strip running costs.

    Ketostix measure excess acetoacetate in urine and often give false negatives.

    Ketonix is the most expensive to buy but lowest running cost. Measuring acetone in breath it's perhaps the most convenient / hygienic but some people don't register acetone despite having decent blood ketone levels.
  • caharris7
    caharris7 Posts: 14 Member
    I'm thinking the Precision is the way I'll go. Looks like it's the most precise, at least in the beginning and then maybe try those others below. Thanks so much!!!
  • caharris7
    caharris7 Posts: 14 Member
    lithezebra wrote: »
    You might enjoy the low carb group: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group

    Yep!! I joined!!! Now I need to learn how to post under the Group vs the main Postings. LOL! Oh I'm such the newbie.
  • caharris7
    caharris7 Posts: 14 Member
    GaleHawkins wrote: »
    community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1236978/breathalyzer-for-ketosis-check

    I use the $15 breath analyzer off Ebay most days for a quick check and the Precision Xtra blood meter every few months and check my BG at the same time since one prick does both. All three detect different things so there is no 1:1 correlation.

    A few days ago I did both blood and blow tests. The blood ketones were 2.3 and I blew ,052 on the breath analyzer. As long as I blow a .025+ I know I have not been over 50 grams


    Great idea!! I like using both. The Precision for 'check-ins' but he Breathalyzer for daily checks. I think this is the route I will take to monitor my progress. Thank you for all your advise and the link to the prior discussion!!!
  • danielbainter
    danielbainter Posts: 1 Member
    Hey Gale,
    Have you made your choice already? The newest glucose and keto meter is the Keto Mojo. It is cheaper then the precision Xtra (if you look long term- at the price of the strips. And I am thinking about purchasing that one. I found a comparision between the Keto Mojo and the Precions Xtra here http://foodadviceonline.com/keto-mojo-compared-to-precision-xtra/
  • livingleanlivingclean
    livingleanlivingclean Posts: 11,751 Member
    caharris7 wrote: »
    I am just now doing all my research and prep for a change from Paleo to a Keto lifestyle. I'd like to test my glucose and ketone levels to see how my carb intake will affect both levels. There are good/bad reviews for all of these: Ketonix Breath ketone monitor; Precision Xtra Glucose and Ketone Monitor; and then just plain old Ketostix. What do folks recommend for a newbie? If I'm going to do this, I want to make sure I do it right!

    Why is it important to know if you're in ketosis or not? Do you have a medical reason to know?
  • nvmomketo
    nvmomketo Posts: 12,019 Member
    danielbainter wrote: »
    Hey Gale,
    Have you made your choice already? The newest glucose and keto meter is the Keto Mojo. It is cheaper then the precision Xtra (if you look long term- at the price of the strips. And I am thinking about purchasing that one. I found a comparision between the Keto Mojo and the Precions Xtra here http://foodadviceonline.com/keto-mojo-compared-to-precision-xtra/

    @GaleHawkins
  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    danielbainter wrote: »
    Hey Gale,
    Have you made your choice already? The newest glucose and keto meter is the Keto Mojo. It is cheaper then the precision Xtra (if you look long term- at the price of the strips. And I am thinking about purchasing that one. I found a comparision between the Keto Mojo and the Precions Xtra here http://foodadviceonline.com/keto-mojo-compared-to-precision-xtra/

    I have the Precision Xtra but long ago I went to use and and never found it and the strips.

    Because I am not a diabetic so I have no reason to know the levels since I eat no more than 50 grams of carbs most days. I do use a $10-15 alcohol breath device off of eBay currently that is just because I found it in a desk drawer when I was moving but had not used it in years.

    I am just using keto for longevity interest and to reverse some major long term health issues. The geek in me likes to know but I really am not into piss and blood from my own body but I am ok with these cheap blow ketone meters when I think about it.

    Levels does not seem to matter a great deal in my case but if I cross over 3.0 on the Precision Xtra I feel poorly I did learn. I spent hundreds of $$$ on test strips so I have been there and done that and am glad that I did it years back. Now I just eat LCHF for health reasons. I never did it to lose weight but did drop 50 pounds that has not returned for three years now eating all that I want to eat when I want to eat. In my case eating the KETO WOE resolved my binging issues nearly 4 years ago.

    The $15 meters can give a false negative but I have never had a false positive result when compared to blood testing.
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