A ketogenic diet followed for at least 10 weeks may significantly reduce symptoms of depression, according to a new pilot study published in Translational Psychiatry. Conducted by researchers at The Ohio State University, the study found a nearly 70% decrease in depression symptoms among a small group of college students already undergoing treatment for major depressive disorder. The diet also led to improvements in cognitive function, well-being, and weight loss, suggesting that nutritional ketosis could be a viable adjunctive therapy for depression.
The research involved 24 college students, with 16 completing the study. All participants had been receiving medication, counseling, or both for depression prior to joining. They were educated on following a well-formulated ketogenic diet, which involved consuming fewer than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day alongside moderate protein and high fat intake. The goal was to achieve nutritional ketosis—a metabolic state where the body uses ketones, rather than glucose, for fuel.
Participants’ depression levels were assessed using the standard Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and clinician-rated evaluations.
Over the course of the study, students' self-reported depression scores dropped by 69%, while clinician assessments confirmed a 71% reduction. Participants also showed nearly a three-fold improvement in global well-being and enhanced performance on cognitive tasks. Most students lost weight, with an average loss of 11 pounds and a 2.4% drop in body fat.
According to lead author Jeff Volek, PhD, “There is more science yet to do, but because there is evidence of a benefit, expanding accessibility to a well-formulated ketogenic diet as an augmentation to treatment for depression is something to think about.”
Despite the promising results, the study lacked a non-keto control group, and researchers acknowledge the need for larger, controlled trials.
Reference: Decker, D.D., Patel, R., Cheavens, J. et al. A pilot study examining a ketogenic diet as an adjunct therapy in college students with major depressive disorder. Transl Psychiatry 15, 322 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-025-03544-8
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