The ketogenic (keto) diet, typically known for its role in managing epilepsy, has shown potential in improving symptoms of bipolar disorder (BD), according to a recent pilot study conducted by researchers at the University of Edinburgh. The study, the first of its kind, suggests that the keto diet, which is high in fats and low in carbohydrates, could serve as an effective adjunctive treatment for individuals with BD, a condition marked by extreme mood swings between mania and depression.
Key Findings of the Study
The pilot study included 20 participants aged 18 to 70 who had been in a stable mood state for at least three months. Participants adhered to the ketogenic diet for a period of six to eight weeks. Researchers measured several aspects of mental health, including mood, energy, impulsivity, anxiety, and quality of life, before and after the dietary intervention.
Notably, participants who maintained a higher level of blood ketones exhibited improvements in mood, energy levels, and anxiety, though no significant change was observed in the speed of thought. The metabolic changes were also significant, with participants experiencing reductions in body weight and systolic blood pressure. Furthermore, magnetic resonance spectrometry (MRS) scans of participants’ brains showed alterations in neurotransmitter activity, which may contribute to mood stabilization.
Mechanism Behind the Ketogenic Diet’s Effects on Bipolar Disorder
The keto diet works by inducing ketosis, a metabolic state where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This shift alters brain chemistry, reducing insulin levels and blood sugar, and may have neuroprotective effects. Since BD shares some underlying mechanisms with epilepsy, including issues related to neurotransmitter imbalances, the keto diet’s ability to influence brain function may explain its positive effects on mood and behavior in people with BD.
The MRS scans revealed changes in excitatory neurotransmitters in key brain areas associated with BD, such as the anterior and posterior cingulate cortices. These brain regions are crucial in regulating mood and are implicated in the pathophysiology of BD. The study’s findings suggest that the keto diet may help reduce excitotoxicity, a process in which nerve cells become overstimulated, potentially leading to mood instability.
Preliminary but Promising
Although the study was small and preliminary, it opens the door to further exploration of the keto diet as a potential treatment for BD. Dr. Iain Campbell, the lead researcher, emphasized that these findings are part of a growing body of evidence supporting the use of metabolic treatments for psychiatric disorders, particularly those like BD, which are associated with poor metabolic health.
As BD is often resistant to traditional treatments, including medication and therapy, the possibility of using a metabolic approach like the keto diet is both exciting and challenging. The success of this pilot study has led to plans for more rigorous, randomized clinical trials to confirm these findings and explore the potential long-term benefits of the keto diet for BD patients.
In 2025, UCLA Health will launch a multi-site pilot study to investigate the use of the keto diet in teens and young adults with BD, potentially paving the way for broader applications of this dietary intervention.
The study was funded by the Baszucki Group and published in the journal BJPsych Open.
