Keto Diet Cuts Depression Symptoms 70% in Pilot Study

A series of pilot studies from Ohio State University have found that following a well-formulated ketogenic diet for 10 to 12 weeks led to about a 70% reduction in depression symptoms among young adults already receiving treatment for major depressive disorder. Participants, consisting of 16 college students, also reported significant improvements in overall well-being, cognitive functions such as memory and processing speed, and modest weight loss. The ketogenic diet involves consuming fewer than 50 grams of carbohydrates daily, with high fat and moderate protein intake, leading the body into nutritional ketosis where ketones serve as alternative brain fuel and signaling molecules. Researchers suggest that nutritional ketosis could serve as a feasible adjunctive therapy alongside medication and counseling, though they caution that keto is not a replacement for professional mental health care and that larger randomized trials are needed to confirm these preliminary findings. Despite the promising mental health benefits, the ketogenic diet's popularity has been declining in the broader market due to its restrictive nature and complexity, with decreasing mentions in social media and restaurant menus. Experts emphasize that while keto shows potential for augmenting depression treatment, more extensive research is essential before it can be widely recommended.