Search Here

The ketogenic diet may offer more health benefits than previously thought.

A pilot study conducted at Stanford University has revealed that the diet holds the potential to mitigate symptoms associated with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia while effectively reversing metabolic syndrome among participants.

Published online on March 27 in Psychiatric Research, the study led by first author Dr. Shebani Sethi showed significant improvements observed in participants who adhered to the high-fat, low-carb diet.

"We're seeing huge changes," Dr. Sethi remarked, according to Medscape. "Even if you're on antipsychotic drugs, we can still reverse the obesity, the metabolic syndrome, and the insulin resistance. I think that's very encouraging for patients."

The study included 21 individuals aged 18-75 with either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Participants were currently under psychotropic medication. All were overweight and gained more than 5% of their body mass while taking psychotropic drugs, or had either insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, or other metabolic abnormality.

Participants who were overweight with metabolic abnormalities received instructions on implementing the keto diet, comprising 10% carbohydrate, 30% protein and 60% fat.

Monitoring blood ketone levels weekly, investigators assessed the participants' adherence to the diet, with health coaches providing ongoing support and guidance. Psychiatric evaluations were conducted at baseline, 2 months, and the end of the 4-month study period.

By the conclusion of the trial, 14 patients demonstrated full adherence to the diet, with six being semi-adherent, and only one showing nonadherence. Stronger adherence, indicated by higher ketone levels, corresponded with improved metabolic health outcomes.

Assessment using the Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia and Clinical Global Impression for Bipolar Disorder-Overall Severity scales revealed a notable 31% reduction in symptom severity among participants (P < .001). Additionally, 43% of participants achieved recovery, as per the criteria outlined in the Clinical Mood Monitoring Form: 50% in the fully adherent group and 33% among the semi-adherent individuals.

Moreover, metabolic benefits were noted, with none meeting the criteria for metabolic syndrome by the study's end. Significant improvements in metabolic markers such as waist circumference, inflammation and insulin resistance were also observed along with a 20% decrease in triglycerides and a 21% increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Despite the study's limitations, including a small sample size and the absence of a control arm, researchers pointed out the interconnectedness of mental and physical health. 

"Understanding the mechanisms and potential synergies between psychiatric treatment and metabolic improvements can also inform the development of more effective interventions," they said.