Ketogenic Diet Raises Long-Term Health Concerns in Mice Study
A recent study on mice raises concerns about the long-term effects of a keto diet, popular for weight loss and managing conditions like epilepsy and diabetes. The high-fat, low-carb diet led to fatty liver, glucose intolerance, and increased cholesterol levels in mice. The findings suggest caution, as human studies are still limited.
The keto diet, consisting of about 90% fat, aims to induce ketosis. While it led to short-term weight loss in mice, long-term effects were concerning. After a few months, the mice developed fatty liver, a condition linked to various health issues. Additionally, the diet caused glucose intolerance, disrupted insulin secretion, and increased cholesterol levels.
The German Society for Nutrition recommends that healthy adults derive at least half of their energy from carbohydrates. This advice seems at odds with the keto diet's low-carb approach. The study's findings align with reports of cardiovascular diseases and high blood lipid levels in epilepsy patients following a long-term keto diet. However, it's important to note that the findings in mice may not directly translate to humans.
The study concludes that long-term use of a keto diet may lead to multiple negative changes in metabolic parameters. While the diet can aid in short-term weight loss and manage certain conditions, its long-term effects on metabolic health are not yet sufficiently researched. Further human studies are needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of this diet.
