SadaNews – A recent clinical study suggests that adopting a ketogenic (keto) diet, which is low in carbohydrates and high in fats, may offer a modest yet statistically meaningful improvement for individuals grappling with “treatment-resistant depression.”
“Treatment-resistant depression” refers to a form of depression that does not adequately respond to standard treatments, including antidepressants or psychotherapy, despite sufficient duration and appropriate dosages.
According to a report on the “Everyday Health” website, Min Gao, PhD, an associate professor at the University of Oxford, noted, “About a third of patients with depression do not fully respond to antidepressant medications. There is also a growing interest in examining whether diet, particularly the keto diet, can enhance mental health.”
Even though numerous online testimonials and personal experiences highlight the role of the keto diet in alleviating depression, Gao emphasizes the scarcity of high-quality research substantiating these claims. “We aimed to conduct a thorough study to determine if there are genuine benefits,” says Min Gao.
The benefits of “keto” for depression: real but limited
The study, published in “JAMA Psychiatry,” involved 88 participants with an average age of 42, all diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups for six weeks: one group received pre-prepared meals in line with the keto diet (consuming less than 30 grams of carbohydrates per day), while the control group followed a balanced vegetarian diet.
The severity of depression was measured using the “PHQ-9” scale, which scores from 0 to 27 points, at the start of the study and again after 6 and 12 weeks.
Upon completing the trial, the keto diet group experienced a decline of 10.5 points on the scale, compared to an 8.3 point reduction in the control group.
Gao states, “Our study demonstrates that when the keto diet is examined rigorously, any benefits are indeed real but modest and more challenging to sustain than some previous assertions.”
How might “keto” help alleviate depression?
Medical professionals explain that the keto diet promotes the production of ketones, chemical compounds formed from fats when glucose levels are insufficient for energy. These compounds may influence various pathways related to mood disorders, promoting anti-inflammatory effects and supporting nerve health.
Additionally, individuals practicing the keto diet might experience psychological and social benefits as they gain a sense of achievement and feel part of a community with shared dietary goals. This sense of purpose and social connection can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
Research indicates that potential alterations in brain energy utilization, inflammation, and gut microbiota may also play a role; however, these factors remain to be fully established.
Should one try the “keto” diet for treating depression?
Experts caution that it is still premature to recommend the keto diet as an official treatment for treatment-resistant depression. Adhering to the diet can be challenging, and its potential benefits are not overwhelming.
Min Gao adds, “While there is preliminary evidence, it does not warrant a new recommendation. The diet is difficult to maintain, and we still lack sufficient knowledge about its long-term safety and who may benefit the most. Anyone considering dietary changes to improve mental health should consult with their doctor or mental health professional.”
