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Ketogenic diet intervention on metabolic and psychiatric health in bipolar and schizophrenia: a pilot trial
The connection between diet and mental health has garnered increasing interest, especially regarding low-carbohydrate approaches like the ketogenic diet (KD). Traditionally used for conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and epilepsy, KD has emerged as a potential adjunctive treatment for psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to explore its effects specifically on individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, particularly those with metabolic irregularities.
In a four-month pilot study, 23 participants enrolled in a single-arm trial focused on the ketogenic diet. Key findings revealed notable improvements in metabolic health metrics; by the end of the study, no participants exhibited criteria for metabolic syndrome. Those who adhered to the diet experienced a significant reduction in weight (12%), body mass index (12%), waist circumference (13%), and visceral adipose tissue (36%).
Biomarkers also showed positive shifts, marked by a 27% decrease in HOMA-IR and a 25% reduction in triglyceride levels. From a psychiatric perspective, individuals with schizophrenia experienced a substantial 32% decrease in scores on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Moreover, the average improvement in Clinical Global Impression (CGI) severity was 31%, with 79% of participants demonstrating at least a 1-point improvement on the CGI scale.
Additional psychiatric improvements included a 17% increase in life satisfaction and a 19% enhancement in sleep quality across the study group. These results highlight the possible benefits of ketogenic dietary interventions for individuals suffering from serious mental illnesses, suggesting a novel avenue for dietary therapy in psychiatric care. [NPID: Ketogenic, schizophrenia, psychiatric, metabolic, mental health]
Year: 2026
