Ketogenic regimens for acute neurotraumatic events

Curr Opin Biotechnol, 2021 · DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.12.009 · Published: August 1, 2021

Simple Explanation

Dietary modification would be the most translatable, cost-efficient, and, likely, the safest approach available that can reduce the reliance on pharmaceutical treatments for treating acute or chronic neurological disorders. A wide variety of evidence suggests that the ketogenic diet (KD) could have beneficial effects in acute traumatic events, such as spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. Review of existing human and animal studies revealed that KD can improve motor neuro- recovery, gray matter sparing, pain thresholds, and neuroinflammation and decrease depression.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Human and animal studies

Evidence Level

Review of human and animal studies

Key Findings

1
KD regimens can improve motor recovery, gray matter sparing, and pain thresholds in rats and neurorecovery and inflammation in humans with SCI.
2
KD therapy can improve motor recovery and neuroprotection and decrease depression in rats with TBI.
3
KD is shown to be safe for patients with SCI and TBI; however, most of this evidence is collected mainly from animal and small clinical studies

Research Summary

KD works by multiple mechanisms from mitochondrial function, inhibition of inflammation, and anti-oxidation. Our review of the existing literature has revealed that KD regimens can improve motor recovery, gray matter sparing, and pain thresholds in rats and neurorecovery and inflammation in humans with SCI. In addition, KD is shown to be safe for patients with SCI and TBI; however, most of this evidence is collected mainly from animal and small clinical studies and adherence may be a challenge in adopting KD to achieve health-promoting properties.

Practical Implications

Improved Independence

Potential therapeutic effects of KD in preventing or reversing neurological pathology and improving function will be invaluable for patients seeking self-efficacy in improving independence.

Evidence-Based Recommendations

Clinicians can seek to provide evidence-based recommendations for patients and caregivers.

Future Research Guidance

The findings can guide the direction of future research.

Study Limitations

1
Most evidence from animal and small clinical studies
2
Adherence to KD may be a challenge
3
Need for multiple menus to comply with human KD protocols

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