Ketogenic approach replaces carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats
MAY 2022
Story Courtesy of UVA Health
Multiple sclerosis patients who adopted a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet saw significant improvements in their condition, a University of Virginia study says.
The promising results focused on the ketogenic diet, which is popular for weight loss and in the fitness community.
The diet was put to the test among 65 volunteers with relapsing-remitting MS, an inflammatory disorder in which the immune system attacks the natural insulation that protects the body’s nerves in the brain and spinal cord. MS symptoms vary widely, but patients often struggle with cognition, dexterity and mobility.
In the new study, more than 80% of participants on the keto diet adhered to it for the full six-month study period. Participants lost body fat and reported significant improvements in fatigue, depression and quality of life. In addition, their performance improved on physical endurance testing, such as the six-minute walk.
“The findings from the study are exciting and serve as a testament to the dedication of our study participants and the resilience of those living with MS,” says researcher Dr. J. Nicholas Brenton, an expert on MS at UVA Health.
“Our study not only demonstrates the feasibility of dietary changes in MS patients but also the potential benefits that could arise from such interventions. Given the intriguing results of this study, our team is currently looking at how the ketogenic diet impacts the immune profile of MS patients.”
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
Dr. J. Nicholas Brenton, UVA Health
and faster in six minutes than they did prior to the diet.
“Our study provides evidence that a ketogenic diet is safe and beneficial, reducing some symptoms for people with MS.”
– Dr. J. Nicholas Brenton, UVA Health
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 says.
“Still, more research is needed as there are risks associated with these diets. It is important that people with MS consult with their health care 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,” he says.
For more, visit uvahealth.com and search for “MS.”