Therapeutic potential of the ketogenic diet: A metabolic switch with implications for neurological disorders, the gut-brain axis, and cardiovascular diseases

• Published in: The Journal of nutritional biochemistry 2024-10, Vol.132, p.109693, Article 109693
• Main Authors: Shahpasand, Sheyda, Khatami, Seyyed Hossein, Ehtiati, Sajad, Alehossein, Parsa, Salmani, Farzaneh, Toutounchi, Alireza Haghbin, Zarei, Tayebe, Shahmohammadi, Mohammad Reza, Khodarahmi, Reza, Aghamollaii, Vajiheh, Tafakhori, Abbas, Karima, Saeed
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cardiac disease; Gut-brain axis; Ketogenic diet (KD); Ketosis; Neurodegenerative disorders
• ISSN: 0955-2863; 1873-4847; 1873-4847
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2024.109693

•Dietary interventions, including the Ketogenic Diet (KD), are recognized as powerful tools for treating and preventing diseases.•The KD's success has sparked optimism, making it a beacon of hope for individuals battling multiple symptoms associated with neurological diseases.•KDs may reduce neurodegeneration and inflammation by improving gut microbiota imbalances.•The KD offers nonpharmacological options for managing and preventing cardiovascular disease, particularly heart failure. The Ketogenic Diet (KD) is a dietary regimen that is low in carbohydrates, high in fats, and contains adequate protein. It is designed to mimic the metabolic state of fasting. This diet triggers the production of ketone bodies through a process known as ketosis. The primary objective of KD is to induce and sustain ketosis, which has been associated with numerous health benefits. Recent research has uncovered promising therapeutic potential for KD in the treatment of various diseases. This includes evidence of its effectiveness as a dietary strategy for managing intractable epilepsy, a form of epilepsy that is resistant to medication. We are currently assessing the efficacy and safety of KD through laboratory and clinical studies. This review focuses on the anti-inflammatory properties of the KD and its potential benefits for neurological disorders and the gut-brain axis. We also explore the existing literature on the potential effects of KD on cardiac health. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge in these areas. Given the encouraging preliminary evidence of its therapeutic effects and the growing understanding of its mechanisms of action, randomized controlled trials are warranted to further explore the rationale behind the clinical use of KD. These trials will ultimately enhance our understanding of how KD functions and its potential benefits for various health conditions. We hope that our research will contribute to the body of knowledge in this field and provide valuable insights for future studies.