Keto diet may reduce depressive symptoms

In the new work, the experts examined data from 50 studies involving more than 41,000 people from different countries. The sample included people with depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety disorders, as well as participants with obesity and other diseases, where the psychological state was monitored as an additional parameter.

Clinical trials have demonstrated a small but steady improvement in depressive symptoms. Moreover, the effect was enhanced when the researchers monitored the ketone levels — that is, they checked whether the participants were really in a state of ketosis.

Another pattern also emerged: the stricter the restriction of carbohydrates, the more noticeable the decrease in depressive symptoms. Very low-carb diets had a significantly more pronounced effect than just low-carb options.

Interestingly, the improvements were stronger in people without obesity. The connection was weaker for overweight participants.

The picture of anxiety turned out to be more ambiguous. In clinical trials, the keto diet did not provide a significant advantage over other types of nutrition.

At the same time, in observational studies and small series of cases, participants often noted a decrease in anxiety — but such studies are less reliable, since they do not exclude the influence of other factors (for example, better discipline, lifestyle changes, or the effect of expectation).

Some descriptive reports have noted improvements in mood disorders in people with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, as well as reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. However, these data are too preliminary, and it is important for the authors of the study to emphasize that such improvements cannot be considered as evidence of a therapeutic effect.

Scientists believe that the keto diet can be useful for depression, especially if its observance is confirmed biochemically. But:

• The effect is not the same for everyone;
• The evidence on anxiety is still weak;
• The studies vary greatly in quality and duration.;
• It cannot be argued that the keto diet directly treats depression.