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Ketogenic Diet Improves Motor Function and Motor Unit Connectivity in Aged C57BL/6 Mice
Carlos J Padilla1, Hallie Harris2, Jeff S Volek2
1University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Research Square
|November 14, 2023
Summary
A ketogenic diet (KD) improved neuromuscular and motor function in aged mice, showing increased grip strength and better performance on the rotarod test. This study suggests KDs may be a promising intervention for age-related muscle loss.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle function, significantly impacts mobility and independence.
- Current treatments for sarcopenia, such as exercise and protein fortification, have limited efficacy.
- Ketogenic diets (KD) have shown potential in improving healthspan and lifespan in aging animal models.
Conclusions:
- Ketogenic diet intervention positively impacted neuromuscular and motor function in aged mice.
- These findings suggest that ketogenic diets warrant further investigation as a potential therapeutic strategy for sarcopenia.
- Additional research is needed to fully understand the physiological effects and efficacy of KDs in combating age-related muscle decline.

