Abstract

PEREIRA, Luísa; MATOS, Nuno  and  POINHOS, Rui. KETOGENIC DIET AND MENTAL HEALTH - A NARRATIVE REVIEW. Acta Port Nutr [online]. 2022, n.31, pp.78-83.  Epub Aug 01, 2023. ISSN 2183-5985.  https://doi.org/10.21011/apn.2022.3113.

Mental disorders are becoming more prevalent globally, and there is evidence that nutrition is a crucial factor regarding their prevalence and incidence. The most used treatment approaches, psychotherapy and psychopharmacotherapy, are not always accessible, tolerable, or effective in relieving symptoms. Ketogenic diets, restricted in carbohydrates, moderate in protein and high in fat, have long been used in the treatment of refractory epilepsy and, more recently, have been investigated in the context of many other metabolic,neurodegenerative, and neurodevelopmental conditions. This work aims to review the existing evidence regarding the use of ketogenic diets in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders. A literature search was carried out in PubMed and Scopus databases, from February to June 2022. The studies found attribute an anxiolytic, antidepressant, mood-stabilizing and antipsychotic effect to ketogenic diets, in addition to significant reductions in the symptoms of various other psychological disorders, such as autism, binge eating, hyperactivity and substance abuse. However, human studies are few and of low quality. In conclusion, the scarcity of randomized and controlled clinical trials does not allow, at the moment, to draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of ketogenic diets in mental disorders. Nevertheless, the promising nature of these diets justifies further studies.

Keywords : Anxiety; Ketosis; Depression; Ketogenic diet; Mental disorders.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )