Ketogenic diet and behavior: insights from experimental studies

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Nutritional Science
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The ketogenic diet (KD) is a well-established epilepsy treatment.
• Emerging research explores KD for weight loss, neurological, and psychiatric disorders.
• Behavioral and motor tests are crucial for assessing KD's impact in preclinical models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the influence of the KD on rodent cognition, depressive, anxiety, social, and nutritional behaviors.
• To summarize findings from preclinical studies using behavioral assessments.
• To highlight limitations of commonly used behavioral tests.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 90 original research articles in English.
• Studies included mice or rats with measured blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels.
• Focus on behavioral evaluations related to neurological, psychiatric, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Main Results:

• The KD generally demonstrates positive effects on cognition in most disease models.
• Results for depressive behaviors are mixed, with studies reporting both reduction and no effect.
• The majority of studies indicate no significant effect of the KD on anxiety-related behaviors.
• Behavioral evaluation of appetite regulation remains under-addressed in preclinical research.

Conclusions:

• The KD shows potential benefits for cognitive function in preclinical studies.
• Further research is needed to clarify KD's effects on mood and anxiety disorders.
• Standardized behavioral assessments are essential for understanding KD's broader therapeutic potential.