In a recent study published in the journal Psychiatry Research , a group of researchers evaluated the effects of a ketogenic diet (KD) on metabolic and psychiatric health in individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with existing metabolic abnormalities. Study: Ketogenic Diet Intervention on Metabolic and Psychiatric Health in Bipolar and Schizophrenia: A Pilot Trial . Image Credit: Maglara / Shutterstock Millions worldwide suffer from severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia (24 million) and bipolar disorder (50 million).
Current treatments often lead to resistance or metabolic side effects, causing nonadherence. Traditional neuroleptics can reduce life expectancy despite benefiting long-term mortality in schizophrenia. The KD, effective in treating epilepsy, offers an alternative fuel source for the brain, reducing neuronal excitability and inflammation.
Emerging evidence suggests metabolic dysfunction underpins psychiatric diseases. Given the high risk of metabolic syndrome in those with severe mental illness, further research on KD's potential to improve metabolic and psychiatric outcomes is crucial. The present study involved 23 participants aged 18-75, all on psychotropic medications and meeting the criteria for being overweight or having a metabolic abnormality.
Twenty-one participants completed the trial (5 with schizophrenia and 16 with bipolar disorder). Eligibility was determined through comprehensive assessments and laboratory tests. Participants re.
