Ketogenic diet shows major benefits for MS

About the Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet mimics the body's fasting state. To do this, it cuts carbohydrates dramatically and replaces them with healthy fats and protein. As a result, the body relies on fat as a primary energy source (as opposed to carbs/sugars). A person on a ketogenic diet, for example, might eat a hamburger with no bun and a side of brussels sprouts with bacon. The traditional side of French fries would not be allowed – while fries are high in fat, they're also loaded with carbohydrates, which are used as sugars by the body. Consuming excess carbs would defeat the point of keto, which is to minimize the body's sugar reserves.

Dietary changes are known to have effects on the body's immune system. In particular, the ketogenic diet may have several benefits for immune-mediated disorders, so Brenton wanted to investigate how this diet could help patients with MS.

He and his collaborators found that the diet had a wide array of benefits, as determined both by patient report and by laboratory and clinical tests. For example, patients on keto walked farther and faster in six minutes than they did prior to the diet. Other benefits included reductions in total body fat and enhanced fine motor speed, as well as improved fatigue, depression and quality of life scores and beneficial changes in inflammatory blood markers.

Based on the findings, the researchers conclude that the ketogenic diet is safe in the short-term and potentially effective in improving MS-related symptoms and overall quality of life.

"Our study provides evidence that a ketogenic diet is safe and beneficial, reducing some symptoms for people with MS, when used over a six-month period," Brenton said. "Still, more research is needed as there are risks associated with these diets. It is important that people with MS consult with their healthcare provider before making any big changes to their diet, and that they be regularly monitored by a physician and registered dietitian if pursuing a true ketogenic diet."