Featured in Science Digest #155

The ketogenic diet may alleviate depressive symptoms within as little as two weeks. Digest

doi.org
2 min read •

Depression is one of the most common and disabling conditions among young adults, yet current treatments often fail to address potential metabolic factors that may underlie symptoms. Researchers tested whether a ketogenic diet could support standard care in college students with major depressive disorder.

The study enrolled 24 students with clinician-confirmed depression; 16 completed the 10–12 week intervention while continuing their usual treatment. Participants received support to follow the ketogenic diet (less than 50 grams of carbohydrate per day, moderate protein, and fats), including food provision, nutrition coaching, and daily finger-stick ketone tracking.

Participants experienced meaningful benefits from the ketogenic diet:

  • Self-reported depression symptoms and clinician ratings dropped by about 70 percent by the end of the study, with measurable improvement already visible within two weeks in some patients.

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  • Psychological well-being nearly tripled over the intervention period, with no participant showing decline.

  • Participants were in nutritional ketosis on most days, with average fasting blood ketone levels of 0.7 millimoles per liter.

  • Average weight loss was 5.0 kilograms (6.2 percent of body mass).

  • Cognitive performance improved in several areas. Participants recalled more words, completed tasks faster, and performed better on planning and decision tasks.

  • Biochemical changes included a 32 percent rise in plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports neuron growth and connectivity, and a 52 percent reduction in leptin, a hormone tied to fat mass, appetite control and inflammation.

These results align with emerging interest in "metabolic psychiatry", which views mood disorders not only as neurochemical conditions but also as shaped by energy balance, inflammation, and brain metabolism. The ketogenic diet raises levels of β-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body that can promote brain-derived neurotrophic factor and stabilize brain networks. Reductions in leptin and body fat also point to metabolic shifts that could contribute to symptom relief, even if no single factor fully explained the improvements.

Importantly, this was a small pilot study without a control group, which limits the ability to isolate the effect of the diet from other factors like time, coaching, or counseling. Additionally, many participants did not complete the study, which highlights the importance of finding practical ways to help people sustain a ketogenic diet in everyday life. Still, the findings suggest that a well-formulated ketogenic diet may be a viable and beneficial adjunct for depression in young adults. Learn how to master the ketogenic diet in Aliquot #88.