Keto Diet and Aging: Different Impacts on Males and Females

A recent animal study suggests that a ketogenic (keto) diet may influence aging processes differently in males and females. The research found that while the diet did not accelerate aging in female mice, it caused males to age more rapidly. The presence of estrogen in females appears to protect against the accelerated aging effects linked to the keto diet, possibly by reducing oxidative stress and cellular senescence. When male mice were treated with estrogen, estradiol, and antioxidants, the rapid aging effects were diminished. This study highlights the potential hormonal factors influencing diet-related aging and underscores the need for human studies to better understand these gender-specific effects. The findings, published in 'Cell Reports', open avenues for exploring hormonal or antioxidant therapies to mitigate diet-related aging in humans, although such treatments must be approached cautiously considering side effects. Experts emphasize that current human research is limited, and caution should be exercised before translating these animal findings into dietary recommendations.