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Chrysafi M, Jacovides C, Papadopoulou SK, Psara E, Vorvolakos T, Antonopoulou M, Dakanalis A, Martin M, Voulgaridou G, Pritsa A, Mentzelou M, Giaginis C. The Potential Effects of the Ketogenic Diet in the Prevention and Co-Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, and Bipolar Disorder: From the Basic Research to the Clinical Practice. Nutrients 2024; 16:1546. [PMID: 38892480 PMCID: PMC11174630 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ketogenic diet (KD) has been highly developed in the past for the treatment of epileptic pathological states in children and adults. Recently, the current re-emergence in its popularity mainly focuses on the therapy of cardiometabolic diseases. The KD can also have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities which may be applied to the prevention and/or co-treatment of a diverse range of psychiatric disorders. PURPOSE This is a comprehensive literature review that intends to critically collect and scrutinize the pre-existing research basis and clinical data of the potential advantageous impacts of a KD on stress, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. METHODS This literature review was performed to thoroughly represent the existing research in this topic, as well as to find gaps in the international scientific community. In this aspect, we carefully investigated the ultimate scientific web databases, e.g., PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, to derive the currently available animal and clinical human surveys by using efficient and representative keywords. RESULTS Just in recent years, an increasing amount of animal and clinical human surveys have focused on investigating the possible impacts of the KD in the prevention and co-treatment of depression, anxiety, stress, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Pre-existing basic research with animal studies has consistently demonstrated promising results of the KD, showing a propensity to ameliorate symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. However, the translation of these findings to clinical settings presents a more complex issue. The majority of the currently available clinical surveys seem to be moderate, usually not controlled, and have mainly assessed the short-term effects of a KD. In addition, some clinical surveys appear to be characterized by enormous dropout rates and significant absence of compliance measurement, as well as an elevated amount of heterogeneity in their methodological design. CONCLUSIONS Although the currently available evidence seems promising, it is highly recommended to accomplish larger, long-term, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials with a prospective design, in order to derive conclusive results as to whether KD could act as a potential preventative factor or even a co-treatment agent against stress, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Basic research with animal studies is also recommended to examine the molecular mechanisms of KD against the above psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chrysafi
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece; (M.C.); (C.J.); (E.P.); (M.A.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Constantina Jacovides
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece; (M.C.); (C.J.); (E.P.); (M.A.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.K.P.); (G.V.); (A.P.)
| | - Sousana K. Papadopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.K.P.); (G.V.); (A.P.)
| | - Evmorfia Psara
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece; (M.C.); (C.J.); (E.P.); (M.A.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Theophanis Vorvolakos
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Marina Antonopoulou
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece; (M.C.); (C.J.); (E.P.); (M.A.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Antonios Dakanalis
- Department of Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via G.B. Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy;
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan Bicocca, Via Cadore 38, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Mato Martin
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece; (M.C.); (C.J.); (E.P.); (M.A.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Gavriela Voulgaridou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.K.P.); (G.V.); (A.P.)
| | - Agathi Pritsa
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.K.P.); (G.V.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria Mentzelou
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece; (M.C.); (C.J.); (E.P.); (M.A.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Constantinos Giaginis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece; (M.C.); (C.J.); (E.P.); (M.A.); (M.M.); (M.M.)
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Rog J, Wingralek Z, Nowak K, Grudzień M, Grunwald A, Banaszek A, Karakula-Juchnowicz H. The Potential Role of the Ketogenic Diet in Serious Mental Illness: Current Evidence, Safety, and Practical Advice. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2819. [PMID: 38792361 PMCID: PMC11122005 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that mimics the physiological state of fasting. The potential therapeutic effects in many chronic conditions have led to the gaining popularity of the KD. The KD has been demonstrated to alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress, modulate the gut microbiota community, and improve metabolic health markers. The modification of these factors has been a potential therapeutic target in serious mental illness (SMI): bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. The number of clinical trials assessing the effect of the KD on SMI is still limited. Preliminary research, predominantly case studies, suggests potential therapeutic effects, including weight gain reduction, improved carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, decrease in disease-related symptoms, increased energy and quality of life, and, in some cases, changes in pharmacotherapy (reduction in number or dosage of medication). However, these findings necessitate further investigation through larger-scale clinical trials. Initiation of the KD should occur in a hospital setting and with strict care of a physician and dietitian due to potential side effects of the diet and the possibility of exacerbating adverse effects of pharmacotherapy. An increasing number of ongoing studies examining the KD's effect on mental disorders highlights its potential role in the adjunctive treatment of SMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Rog
- Laboratory of Human Metabolism Research, Department of Dietetics, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), Nowoursynowska 66 Str., 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Wingralek
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Głuska 1 Str., 20-469 Lublin, Poland; (Z.W.); (K.N.); (M.G.); (A.B.); (H.K.-J.)
| | - Katarzyna Nowak
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Głuska 1 Str., 20-469 Lublin, Poland; (Z.W.); (K.N.); (M.G.); (A.B.); (H.K.-J.)
| | - Monika Grudzień
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Głuska 1 Str., 20-469 Lublin, Poland; (Z.W.); (K.N.); (M.G.); (A.B.); (H.K.-J.)
| | - Arkadiusz Grunwald
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Głuska 1 Str., 20-469 Lublin, Poland; (Z.W.); (K.N.); (M.G.); (A.B.); (H.K.-J.)
| | - Agnieszka Banaszek
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Głuska 1 Str., 20-469 Lublin, Poland; (Z.W.); (K.N.); (M.G.); (A.B.); (H.K.-J.)
| | - Hanna Karakula-Juchnowicz
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Głuska 1 Str., 20-469 Lublin, Poland; (Z.W.); (K.N.); (M.G.); (A.B.); (H.K.-J.)
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Borrego-Ruiz A, Borrego JJ. Human gut microbiome, diet, and mental disorders. Int Microbiol 2024:10.1007/s10123-024-00518-6. [PMID: 38561477 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-024-00518-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Diet is one of the most important external factor shaping the composition and metabolic activities of the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in host health, including immune system development, nutrients metabolism, and the synthesis of bioactive molecules. In addition, the gut microbiome has been described as critical for the development of several mental disorders. Nutritional psychiatry is an emerging field of research that may provide a link between diet, microbial function, and brain health. In this study, we have reviewed the influence of different diet types, such as Western, Mediterranean, vegetarian, and ketogenic, on the gut microbiota composition and function, and their implication in various neuropsychiatric and psychological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Borrego-Ruiz
- Departamento de Psicología Social y de las Organizaciones, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J Borrego
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Málaga. Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina BIONAND, Málaga, Spain.
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Saslow LR, Missel AL, O'Brien A, Kim S, Hecht FM, Moskowitz JT, Bayandorian H, Pietrucha M, Raymond K, Richards B, Liestenfeltz B, Mason AE, Daubenmier J, Aikens JE. Psychological Support Strategies for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes in a Very Low-Carbohydrate Web-Based Program: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Diabetes 2023; 8:e44295. [PMID: 37166961 PMCID: PMC10214122 DOI: 10.2196/44295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A very low-carbohydrate (VLC) nutritional strategy may improve glycemic control and weight loss in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the supplementary behavioral strategies that might be able to improve outcomes using this nutritional strategy are uncertain. OBJECTIVE This study aims to compare the impact of adding 3 different supplementary behavioral strategies to a web-based VLC diet intervention. To our knowledge, this is the first trial to randomize participants to different frequencies of dietary self-monitoring. METHODS The study included 112 overweight adults with T2D (hemoglobin A1c ≥6.5%) taking no antiglycemic medications or only metformin. They received a remotely delivered 12-month VLC diet intervention. Participants were randomly assigned through a full factorial 2×2×2 design to supplementary strategies: either daily or monthly dietary self-monitoring, either mindful eating training or not, and either positive affect skills training or not. Our research goal was to determine whether 3 different supplemental strategies had at least a medium effect size (Cohen d=0.5). RESULTS Overall, the VLC intervention led to statistically significant improvements in glycemic control (-0.70%, 95% CI -1.04% to -0.35%; P<.001), weight loss (-6.82%, 95% CI -8.57% to -5.08%; P<.001), and depressive symptom severity (Cohen d -0.67, 95% CI -0.92 to -0.41; P<.001). Furthermore, 30% (25/83) of the participants taking metformin at baseline reduced or discontinued their metformin. Only 1 Cohen d point estimate reached 0.5; daily (vs monthly) dietary self-monitoring had a worse impact on depressive symptoms severity (Cohen d=0.47, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.95; P=.06). None of the strategies had a statistically significant effect on outcomes. For changes in our primary outcome, hemoglobin A1c, the daily (vs monthly) dietary self-monitoring impact was 0.42% (95% CI -0.28% to 1.12%); for mindful eating, it was -0.47% (95% CI -1.15% to 0.22%); and for positive affect, it was 0.12% (95% CI -0.57% to 0.82%). Other results for daily (vs monthly) dietary self-monitoring were mixed, suggesting an increase in weight (0.98%) and depressive symptoms (Cohen d=0.47), less intervention satisfaction (Cohen d=-0.20), more sessions viewed (3.02), and greater dietary adherence (Cohen d=0.24). For mindful eating, the results suggested a benefit for dietary adherence (Cohen d=0.24) and intervention satisfaction (Cohen d=0.30). For positive affect, the results suggested a benefit for depressive symptoms (Cohen d=-0.32), the number of sessions viewed (3.68), dietary adherence (Cohen d=0.16), and intervention satisfaction (Cohen d=0.25). CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results support the use of a VLC diet intervention in adults with T2D. The addition of monthly (not daily) dietary self-monitoring, mindful eating, and positive affect skills training did not show a definitive benefit, but it is worth further testing. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03037528; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03037528.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura R Saslow
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Amanda L Missel
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Alison O'Brien
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sarah Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Frederick M Hecht
- Osher Center for Integrative Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Judith T Moskowitz
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Martha Pietrucha
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kate Raymond
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Blair Richards
- Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Bradley Liestenfeltz
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ashley E Mason
- Osher Center for Integrative Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer Daubenmier
- Institute of Holistic Health Studies, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - James E Aikens
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Kackley ML, Brownlow ML, Buga A, Crabtree CD, Sapper TN, O’Connor A, Volek JS. The effects of a 6-week controlled, hypocaloric ketogenic diet, with and without exogenous ketone salts, on cognitive performance and mood states in overweight and obese adults. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:971144. [PMID: 36248655 PMCID: PMC9563373 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.971144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ketogenic diets are a commonly used weight loss method, but little is known how variations in sodium content and ketones influence cognition and mood during the early keto-adaptation period. Objectives To investigate the effects of an exogenous ketone salt (KS) as part of a hypocaloric KD on mood and cognitive outcomes in overweight and obese adults. A secondary objective was to evaluate changes in biochemical markers associated with inflammatory and cognitive responses. Materials and methods Adults who were overweight or obese participated in a 6-week controlled-feeding intervention comparing hypocaloric diets (∼75% of energy expenditure). KD groups received twice daily ketone salt (KD + KS; n = 12) or a flavor-matched placebo, free of minerals (KD + PL; n = 13). A separate group of age and BMI matched adults were later assigned to an isoenergetic low-fat diet (LFD; n = 12) as comparison to KD. Mood was assessed by shortened Profile of Mood States and Visual Analog Mood Scale surveys. Cognitive function was determined by the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics mental test battery. Results Both KD groups achieved nutritional ketosis. Fasting serum glucose decreased in both KD groups, whereas glucose was unaffected in the LFD. Insulin decreased at week 2 and remained lower in all groups. At week 2, depression scores in the KD + PL group were higher compared to KD + KS. Performance in the math processing and go/no-go cognitive tests were lower for KD + PL and LFD participants, respectively, compared to KD + KS. Serum leptin levels decreased for all groups throughout the study but were higher for KD + KS group at week 6. Serum TNF-α steadily increased for LFD participants, reaching significance at week 6. Conclusion During a short-term hypocaloric diet, no indication of a consistent decline in mood or cognitive function were seen in participants following either KD, despite KD + PL being relatively low in sodium. WK2 scores of “anger” and “depression” were higher in the LFD and KD + PL groups, suggesting that KS may attenuate negative mood parameters during the early intervention stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison L. Kackley
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Milene L. Brownlow
- Research and Development Department, Metagenics Inc., Gig Harbor, WA, United States
| | - Alex Buga
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Chris D. Crabtree
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Teryn N. Sapper
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Annalouise O’Connor
- Research and Development Department, Metagenics Inc., Gig Harbor, WA, United States
| | - Jeff S. Volek
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Jeff S. Volek,
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Danan A, Westman EC, Saslow LR, Ede G. The Ketogenic Diet for Refractory Mental Illness: A Retrospective Analysis of 31 Inpatients. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:951376. [PMID: 35873236 PMCID: PMC9299263 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.951376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS The robust evidence base supporting the therapeutic benefit of ketogenic diets in epilepsy and other neurological conditions suggests this same metabolic approach may also benefit psychiatric conditions. STUDY DESIGN In this retrospective analysis of clinical care, 31 adults with severe, persistent mental illness (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder) whose symptoms were poorly controlled despite intensive psychiatric management were admitted to a psychiatric hospital and placed on a ketogenic diet restricted to a maximum of 20 grams of carbohydrate per day as an adjunct to conventional inpatient care. The duration of the intervention ranged from 6 to 248 days. STUDY RESULTS Three patients were unable to adhere to the diet for >14 days and were excluded from the final analysis. Among included participants, means and standard deviations (SDs) improved for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores from 25.4 (6.3) to 7.7 (4.2), P < 0.001 and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale from 29.6 (7.8) to 10.1 (6.5), P < 0.001. Among the 10 patients with schizoaffective illness, mean (SD) of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores improved from 91.4 (15.3) to 49.3 (6.9), P < 0.001. Significant improvements were also observed in metabolic health measures including weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, and triglycerides. CONCLUSIONS The administration of a ketogenic diet in this semi-controlled setting to patients with treatment-refractory mental illness was feasible, well-tolerated, and associated with significant and substantial improvements in depression and psychosis symptoms and multiple markers of metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Danan
- Rangueil Faculty of Medicine, University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Eric C Westman
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Laura R Saslow
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Georgia Ede
- Independent Researcher, Northampton, MA, United States
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