A ketogenic diet and caloric restriction significantly increased cerebral blood flow to the brain and improved cognitive function in young & old mice

The mice that were given a ketogenic diet also displayed an improved balance in the microbiome in the gut. It increased the relative abundance of beneficial gut microbiota (Akkermansia muciniphila and Lactobacillus) and reduced that of pro-inflammatory taxa (Desulfovibrio and Turicibacter). It is thought that the increased blood ketone levels play a role in the microbiome changes.