Keto diet helps manage depression in students - study

Participants who were already receiving medication or psychotherapy for severe depression saw a nearly 70 per cent reduction in symptoms, as well as improvements in cognitive function and general well-being.

The study involved 24 participants but was completed by 16 students (average age 24) who followed a strict keto diet - less than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day with high fat and moderate protein. The diet induced a state of ketosis, in which the body uses ketones instead of glucose as an energy source.

Key findings:

• Self-rated symptoms of depression decreased by 37% after just two weeks, and reached a 69% reduction by week 10-12;

• Psychiatrists' clinical assessment showed a 59% and 71% improvement at weeks 6 and 12 respectively;

• Overall sense of well-being increased almost threefold;

• Almost all participants lost weight, on average 5kg, and fat mass decreased by 2.4%;

• Short-term memory, information processing speed and executive function improved;

• No significant changes in cholesterol and triglyceride levels were detected.

Individual support was a special feature of the study: participants were provided with a starter set of 10 meals, taste-based dietary recommendations and ongoing support via a mobile application. Participants with a body mass index below 20, eating disorders, pregnancy or high alcohol consumption were excluded.

Although there was no control group in the study, the scientists compare the results with conventional therapy, which improves in 50 per cent of patients. Here the effect was greater. According to one of the authors, psychiatrist Ryan Patel, "under real-world conditions, all participants showed improvement and none needed emergency intervention."

The project leader, Professor Jeff Volek, has been studying the therapeutic effects of ketosis for more than 20 years. He believes that the keto diet may influence depression through a range of metabolic mechanisms, including - reducing inflammation and changes in brain function.

Given the promising results, the research team plans to continue studying the keto diet as a complementary treatment for depression, but recognises that larger clinical trials with a control group are needed.