ketogenic Diet Shows Promise in reducing Depression Symptoms in Students
A recent study suggests a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet may substantially improve symptoms of depression, notably in young adults. Researchers at an American university observed a substantial reduction in depressive symptoms among students participating in a ten to twelve-week trial.
The study involved 24 students diagnosed with depression, with 16 completing the full program. Participants adhered to a ketogenic diet, restricting carbohydrate intake to just 50 grams per day, while increasing consumption of healthy fats from sources like avocados and nuts. Support was provided through nutrition coaching and access to registered dietitians via a dedicated app.
Results indicated a 69% self-reported decrease in depression symptoms, corroborated by expert assessments showing a 71% reduction.Participants also reported a nearly threefold increase in the rate of improvement in their overall well-being, and notably, all participants experienced some level of improvement.
Beyond the mental health benefits, participants experienced an average weight loss of 6%, primarily from fat. Cognitive function also improved,with better performance on tests measuring memory,processing speed,and planning abilities. blood tests revealed a rise in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein crucial for nerve cell growth and function.
While generally well-tolerated, the diet did cause mild side effects in the first week, including headaches and muscle cramps. These where easily managed with increased intake of salts and minerals. One participant withdrew from the study due to the dietary restrictions.
Researchers caution that this was a preliminary study lacking a control group, meaning its currently unclear whether the observed improvements are solely attributable to the diet or a combination of factors including the support provided. Larger studies with control groups are planned to further validate these promising findings.
Source: Translational Psychiatry
