Faster but less accurate: An explorative study on the effects of three weeks of ketogenic diet on cognitive functions in undergraduate students

The ketogenic diet (KD), characterized by low carbohydrate intake leading to ketosis, has garnered attention for its potential cognitive benefits in various neuropsychiatric disorders. This study investigates the effects of KD on cognitive functions among healthy individuals, specifically undergraduate students. A cohort of thirty participants was assessed, with eight completing a three-week isocaloric ketogenic diet intervention. Cognitive assessments were conducted at baseline and follow-up, employing neuropsychological measures to evaluate psychological chronotype, sleep quality, eating habits, anxiety, and cognitive components, including attention, inhibition, and memory.

Findings from non-parametric Bayesian analysis indicated that participants exhibited enhanced cognitive processing speed at follow-up, evidenced by quicker performance in visual-motor tasks. Conversely, a decline in accuracy on working memory tasks was observed, suggesting a potential compromise in higher cognitive functioning. Notably, anxiety levels remained unchanged throughout the study period. These findings underscore the need for further exploration into the cognitive implications of dietary patterns, particularly the ketogenic diet, and their potential to inform targeted interventions aimed at enhancing academic performance and learning environments for university students. [NPID: Keto diet, low carbohydrate, cognition, neuropsychiatric, memory]

Year: 2026

Reference: Serio, G., Pacelli, C., Piccoli, C., Capitanio, N., Cibelli, G., Valenzano, A. A., Landini, F., Carlucci, L., & Palladino, P. (2026). Faster but less accurate: An explorative study on the effects of three weeks of ketogenic diet on cognitive functions in undergraduate students. PLOS ONE, 21(1), e0338877. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0338877