The effect of a ketogenic diet versus a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet on sleep, cognition, thyroid function, and cardiovascular health independent of weight loss: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet versus a ketogenic diet on sleep, thyroid function, cognition, and cardio-metabolic health in healthy adults, independent of weight loss.
Results Summary
The abstract does not provide specific results for the low-fat diet, as the study appears to be in progress or not yet concluded.
Population
Healthy men and women aged 18-50 years.
Effective Dosage
55% carbohydrates, 20% fat, 25% protein (isocaloric diet).
Duration
Minimum of 3 weeks per dietary intervention.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ketogenic diet (KD) | neutral | sleep | healthy adults | - | determine the effects | #1 |
ketogenic diet (KD) | neutral | thyroid function | healthy adults | - | determine the effects | #2 |
ketogenic diet (KD) | neutral | cognition | healthy adults | - | determine the effects | #3 |
ketogenic diet (KD) | neutral | cardio-metabolic health | healthy adults | - | determine the effects | #4 |
ketogenic diet (KD) | neutral | basal metabolic rate | healthy adults | - | determine whether a change in basal metabolic rate may be associated with any changes observed | #5 |
high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet (55% CHO, 20% fat, 25% protein) | neutral | - | Twenty healthy men and women between 18 and 50 years of age | - | will follow | #6 |
ketogenic diet (KD) (15% CHO, 60% fat, 25% protein) | neutral | - | Twenty healthy men and women between 18 and 50 years of age | - | will follow | #7 |
ketogenic diet (KD) | neutral | sleep quality | participants | - | assessed for | #8 |
ketogenic diet (KD) | neutral | cognitive function | participants | - | assessed for | #9 |
ketogenic diet (KD) | neutral | thyroid function | participants | - | assessed for | #10 |
ketogenic diet (KD) | neutral | basal metabolic rate | participants | - | assessed for | #11 |
ketogenic diet (KD) | neutral | cardio-metabolic markers | participants | - | measurement of | #12 |
ketogenic diet (KD) | neutral | immune markers | participants | - | measurement of | #13 |
ketogenic diet (KD) | neutral | aspects of physiological health | healthy adults | - | understanding the potential effects | #14 |
ketogenic diet (KD) | neutral | physiological health | healthy population | - | explore whether diet-related metabolic changes may be responsible for the changes observed | #15 |
BACKGROUND: Many physiological health benefits observed after following a ketogenic diet (KD) can be attributed to the associated weight loss. The KD has become more prominent as a popular health choice, not only in obese/overweight individuals, but also in healthy adults. The study aims to determine the effects of a KD, independent of weight loss, on various aspects of physiological health including: sleep, thyroid function, cognition, and cardio-metabolic health. The study will also aim to determine whether a change in basal metabolic rate may be associated with any changes observed. METHODS: Twenty healthy men and women between 18 and 50 years of age will take part in this study. In a randomized controlled, cross-over design, participants will follow two isocaloric diets: a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet (55% CHO, 20% fat, 25% protein) and a KD (15% CHO, 60% fat, 25% protein). Each dietary intervention will last for a minimum of 3 weeks, with a 1-week washout period in between. Before and after each diet, participants will be assessed for sleep quality, cognitive function, thyroid function, and basal metabolic rate. A blood sample will also be taken for the measurement of cardio-metabolic and immune markers. DISCUSSION: The present study will help in understanding the potential effects of a KD on aspects of physiological health in healthy adults, without the confounding factor of weight loss. The study aims to fill a significant void in the academic literature with regards to the benefits and/or risks of a KD in a healthy population, but will also explore whether diet-related metabolic changes may be responsible for the changes observed in physiological health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry ( www.pactr.org ), trial number: PACTR201707002406306 . Registered on 20 July 2017.