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February 28, 2026NutrientsOpen Access

Effects of Low-Carbohydrate and Ketogenic Diets on Aerobic Performance in Trained Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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Authors

MGMateusz GawelczykMKMagdalena KaszubaAZAdam Zając

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Overview

A systematic review reveals nuanced effects of low-carbohydrate diets on aerobic performance in trained athletes, indicating adaptation challenges.

Key Points

  • This research aims to evaluate how low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets affect aerobic performance in trained athletes.
  • Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 33 selected studies.
  • Included trained athletes aged 18-45 with structured training for at least 6 months.
  • Randomized participants to low-carbohydrate, ketogenic, or high-carbohydrate diets.
  • Assessed aerobic performance variables including vo2max, time trial performance, and time to exhaustion.
  • 50% of studies preserved maximal aerobic capacity (vo2max), with 11.1% showing improvements.
  • Submaximal exercise economy was impaired in 50% of studies.
  • 69.2% of studies demonstrated maintained time to exhaustion.
  • Fat oxidation increased by 28% to 200% across all studies.
  • Performance impairments were noted within the first week but improved afterward.

Cite This Study

Gawelczyk et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69a286eb0a974eb0d3c02468https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18050740
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Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Effects of Low-Carbohydrate and Ketogenic Diets on Anaerobic Performance in Competitive Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2026
  2. 2Effects of ketogenic diet on obesity indices, lipid profile, and glycemic control parameters in athletes: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2026
  3. 3Ketogenic diet - A gateway to optimize aerobic and anaerobic athletic performance2024
  4. 4Effects of ketogenic diet on muscle mass, strength, aerobic metabolic capacity, and endurance in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis2025 · 3 citations
  5. 5Ketone Supplementation in Trained and Physically Active Individuals: Effects on Athletic Performance and Metabolic Variables—A Systematic Review2026