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Investigating the Therapeutic Potential of the Ketogenic Diet in Modulating Neurodegenerative Pathophysiology: An Interdisciplinary Approach.

Nutrients
April 4, 2025
Iqra Shabbir et al. (7 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to explore the role of the ketogenic diet in managing neurodegenerative diseases by examining its mechanisms of action, historical context, and therapeutic efficacy.

Results Summary

The study found that the ketogenic diet shows promise in mitigating neurodegenerative disease progression by enhancing mitochondrial efficiency, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating inflammatory pathways. It also linked the diet to improved cognitive function, reduced motor symptoms, and enhanced mitochondrial activity in patients with neurodegenerative disorders.

Population

Patients with neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (8)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
ketogenic diet
neutral
neuroprotective properties
-
-
has been demonstrated to possess
#1
ketogenic diet
decrease
neurodegenerative diseases
-
-
offer promising potential in mitigating the progression
#2
ketogenic diet
increase
mitochondrial efficiency
-
-
enhance
#3
ketogenic diet
decrease
oxidative stress
-
-
reduce
#4
ketogenic diet
neutral
inflammatory pathways
-
-
modulate
#5
ketogenic diet
increase
cognitive function
patients with neurodegenerative disorders
-
improved
#6
ketogenic diet
decrease
motor symptoms
patients with neurodegenerative disorders
-
reduced
#7
ketogenic diet
increase
mitochondrial activity
patients with neurodegenerative disorders
-
enhanced
#8
Abstract

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a dietary intervention comprising a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and moderate-protein intake designed to induce a metabolic state known as ketosis, whereby ketone bodies are produced as an alternative source of energy. Initially established as a treatment for intractable epilepsy, the KD has subsequently gained significant attention for its potential to manage neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. Ketone bodies, such as beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), have been demonstrated to possess neuroprotective properties. The increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease, poses a significant public health challenge worldwide. With neurological disorders being the second-leading cause of death globally, the need for effective therapeutic interventions has never been more urgent. Recent evidence suggests that dietary interventions, particularly the ketogenic diet, offer promising potential in mitigating the progression of these diseases by influencing metabolic processes and providing neuroprotective benefits. The ketogenic diet, characterized by high-fat and low-carbohydrate intake, induces ketosis, leading to the production of ketone bodies like beta-hydroxybutyrate, which enhance mitochondrial efficiency, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate inflammatory pathways-mechanisms critical in neurodegenerative pathophysiology. This review explores the role of the ketogenic diet in managing neurological conditions, examining its mechanisms of action, historical context, and therapeutic efficacy. The paper also discusses emerging evidence linking the ketogenic diet to improved cognitive function, reduced motor symptoms, and enhanced mitochondrial activity in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, the review highlights the need for further research to refine the therapeutic applications of the ketogenic diet, investigate its impact on various neurodegenerative diseases, and better understand its potential long-term effects. This study underscores the importance of nutrition as a vital aspect of the treatment strategy for neurological diseases, advocating for continued exploration of dietary interventions to improve brain health and function.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Diet, KetogenicHumansNeurodegenerative DiseasesKetone BodiesKetosisAnimals3-Hydroxybutyric AcidOxidative Stress
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality75/10
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score1.25
Normalized Score0.69
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