Keto Diet May Reduce Depression Symptoms in College Students

Recent research indicates that maintaining a well-formulated ketogenic diet for at least 10 weeks can significantly alleviate symptoms of depression among college students. A pilot study involving 16 participants found that following the diet resulted in approximately a 70% reduction in depression severity, as reported by both the students and clinicians. Notably, students experienced an almost threefold increase in overall well-being, alongside improvements in cognitive functions such as memory, processing speed, and executive function. Most participants also lost weight, with an average of 11 pounds, and saw a decrease in body fat.

All participants were already receiving treatment for major depressive disorder, including medication, counseling, or both. The study emphasized adherence to the ketogenic diet, which involved consuming fewer than 50 grams of carbohydrates daily, with increased fat and moderate protein intake. Participants were provided with guidance, meal options, and ongoing support via a mobile app to facilitate diet compliance.

Blood ketone measurements indicated that participants maintained ketosis 73% of the time, reflecting good diet adherence. Depression scores decreased steadily — self-reported symptoms dropped by 37% within two weeks and improved by nearly 70% over the full course of the study. Clinician assessments echoed these findings, showing nearly 72% improvement by the end.

Beyond emotional benefits, participants experienced physical health improvements, with most exceeding the 5% threshold for clinically significant weight loss. The study also observed no adverse effects on cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

Researchers believe that the ketogenic diet’s potential therapeutic effects may stem from its impact on metabolic and inflammatory pathways related to brain health. Lead author Jeff Volek, Ph.D., remarked that the results exceeded typical outcomes seen with medication and counseling alone, highlighting the diet’s promise as an adjunct treatment.

This groundbreaking study, published in tional Psychiatry, underscores the importance of exploring nutritional strategies to address mental health issues on a large scale. The researchers plan to conduct larger trials to further investigate the mechanisms behind these benefits.

The study was conducted by Ohio State University mental health experts, with co-author Ryan Patel emphasizing the urgent need for scalable, supportive interventions for youth suffering from depression. The researchers created a tailored approach, combining comprehensive education, meal support, and behavioral guidance to improve adherence and outcomes.

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