Key result
Ketogenic diet lacks long-term CV mortality benefit compared to other low-carbohydrate diets.
Why the study?
The relationship between the ketogenic diet and cardiovascular risk factors and mortality remains controversial and requires comprehensive evaluation.
Does the ketogenic diet improve cardiovascular risk factors and mortality compared to other dietary patterns?
Does the ketogenic diet improve cardiovascular risk factors and mortality compared to other dietary patterns?
The ketogenic diet offers short-term metabolic benefits but lacks long-term efficacy and may be less beneficial for cardiovascular mortality compared to moderate low-carbohydrate diets.
May warrant limiting ketogenic diets to short-term use; leaves open need for RCTs on long-term cardiovascular mortality versus low-carbohydrate diets.
The ketogenic diet is based on extreme carbohydrate intake reduction and replacing the remaining with fat and has become a popular dietary pattern used for weight loss. The relationship between the ketogenic diet and cardiovascular risk is a controversial topic. This publication aimed to present evidence on the ketogenic diet and cardiovascular risk factors and mortality. The ketogenic diet does not fulfill the criteria of a healthy diet. It presents the potential for rapid short-term reduction of body mass, triglycerides level, Hb1Ac, and blood pressure. Its efficacy for weight loss and the above-mentioned metabolic changes is not significant in long-term observations. In terms of cardiovascular mortality, the low-carb pattern is more beneficial than very low-carbohydrate (including the ketogenic diet). There is still scarce evidence comparing ketogenic to the Mediterranean diet. Other safety concerns in cardiovascular patients such as adverse events related to ketosis, fat-free mass loss, or potential pharmacological interactions should be also taken into consideration in future research.
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Joanna Popiołek-Kalisz (2024) conducted a review in Cardiovascular risk and mortality. Ketogenic diet vs. Low-carbohydrate diet / Mediterranean diet was evaluated on Cardiovascular risk factors and mortality. The ketogenic diet offers short-term improvements in body mass and metabolic factors but lacks long-term efficacy and is less beneficial for cardiovascular mortality than low-carbohydrate diets.
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