Does prolonged ketogenic diet use impact cardiometabolic and cognitive functions?
1
1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics,, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nsukka, Nigeria
2
2Department of Human Anatomy, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3012
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The limited understanding of how sustained Ketogenic diet (KD) intake impacts cognitive function, metabolic homeostasis, and cardiovascular risk factors raises important questions about its safety beyond short-term use. This study evaluated the impact of long-term consumption of KD on cardiometabolic and cognitive functions using rat model.
METHODS:
Twenty adult male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n=5/group). Group 1 served as the control (fed standard rat chow), while Groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed 100% KD, 96:4 KD:chow, 60:40 KD:chow, respectively for six weeks. Fasting blood glucose and lipid profile (HDL/LDL/total cholesterol/triglycerides) were determined using standard method. Cognitive performance was assessed using Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT) and Spontaneous Alternation Behaviour (SAB). Data was analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 21. Significance was accepted at P < 0.05.
RESULTS:
KD induced early fasting blood glucose reductions (Week 2: 100% KD -19.34%, P=0.003), with fluctuations stabilizing by Week 6 (P=0.638). Lipid profile analysis revealed mixed responses; with triglycerides increasing significantly by +143.18%, (96:4 KD:chow; P=0.042). Low density lipoprotein fluctuated from -34.36% (96:4 KD:chow) to +43.43% (60:40 KD:chow), (P=0.202). Total cholesterol levels increased across all KD groups, with percentage increases ranging from +9.21% to +22.65% (P = 0.334). The NORT showed significant improvement in recognition memory during Week 4, with the 100% KD and 60:40 KD:chow diet producing percentage increases of +228.50% and +196.50%, respectively compared with the control (P = 0.039). Similarly, SAB results demonstrated marked improvement in memory retention, where all KD groups significantly outperformed the control, with percentage increases ranging from +399.80% to +551.80% (P = 0.006).
CONCLUSIONS:
Prolonged KD resulted in transient glycemic control and cognitive benefits but elevated blood lipids, signaling potential cardiometabolic risks. There is need to translate these findings to humans with lipid monitoring and dose-response trials.
The limited understanding of how sustained Ketogenic diet (KD) intake impacts cognitive function, metabolic homeostasis, and cardiovascular risk factors raises important questions about its safety beyond short-term use. This study evaluated the impact of long-term consumption of KD on cardiometabolic and cognitive functions using rat model.
METHODS:
Twenty adult male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n=5/group). Group 1 served as the control (fed standard rat chow), while Groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed 100% KD, 96:4 KD:chow, 60:40 KD:chow, respectively for six weeks. Fasting blood glucose and lipid profile (HDL/LDL/total cholesterol/triglycerides) were determined using standard method. Cognitive performance was assessed using Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT) and Spontaneous Alternation Behaviour (SAB). Data was analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 21. Significance was accepted at P < 0.05.
RESULTS:
KD induced early fasting blood glucose reductions (Week 2: 100% KD -19.34%, P=0.003), with fluctuations stabilizing by Week 6 (P=0.638). Lipid profile analysis revealed mixed responses; with triglycerides increasing significantly by +143.18%, (96:4 KD:chow; P=0.042). Low density lipoprotein fluctuated from -34.36% (96:4 KD:chow) to +43.43% (60:40 KD:chow), (P=0.202). Total cholesterol levels increased across all KD groups, with percentage increases ranging from +9.21% to +22.65% (P = 0.334). The NORT showed significant improvement in recognition memory during Week 4, with the 100% KD and 60:40 KD:chow diet producing percentage increases of +228.50% and +196.50%, respectively compared with the control (P = 0.039). Similarly, SAB results demonstrated marked improvement in memory retention, where all KD groups significantly outperformed the control, with percentage increases ranging from +399.80% to +551.80% (P = 0.006).
CONCLUSIONS:
Prolonged KD resulted in transient glycemic control and cognitive benefits but elevated blood lipids, signaling potential cardiometabolic risks. There is need to translate these findings to humans with lipid monitoring and dose-response trials.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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