Keto Diet Considerably reduces Depression Symptoms in College Students, New Study Finds
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A pilot study from The Ohio State University has revealed a ketogenic diet may dramatically reduce symptoms of depression in college students, with participants experiencing a 70% reduction in reported depressive symptoms after six weeks.The research, published this month, offers a potential non-pharmaceutical approach to addressing the growing mental health crisis on college campuses.
the findings come as rates of depression and anxiety continue to surge among young adults, significantly impacting academic performance and overall well-being. Experts identify stress, anxiety, and depression as the ”No. 1 impediment to academic performance” for U.S. college students, with approximately 40% reporting symptoms of depression and nearly half seeking treatment – a demand that currently outpaces available resources. This study suggests nutritional interventions,specifically the ketogenic diet,could offer a scalable solution to support student mental health.
Researchers, led by Dr. Jeff Volek, a professor of human sciences at Ohio State, enrolled 28 students diagnosed with depression in a six-week ketogenic diet intervention. Participants followed a strict diet limiting carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day, focusing on healthy fats and proteins. Depression symptoms were assessed using standardized questionnaires before, during, and after the intervention.
“We found a 70% reduction in depressive symptoms in the students who adhered to the ketogenic diet,” Volek stated. “This is a significant betterment, and it suggests that nutrition can play a significant role in mental health.”
The study acknowledged a limitation in not including a non-keto control group, a factor researchers hope to address in larger clinical trials. The pilot trial was funded by a grant from the Baszucki Group Brain Research Fund.
While further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms, the initial results offer a promising avenue for exploring dietary strategies to combat depression and improve mental well-being among college students and perhaps beyond.