How Ketogenic Diet Reshapes Gut Microbiome: Latest Multi-Omic Study from bioRxiv
A bioRxiv study reveals how ketogenic diet alters gut microbial metabolites, influencing systemic inflammation and immune response.
⚠️ Preprint Notice
This study is a preprint posted on bioRxiv and has not yet been peer-reviewed. The findings should be interpreted with caution until published in a peer-reviewed journal. Preprint findings may change after peer review.
Core Finding
The study found that ketogenic diet (KD) significantly reduced pro-inflammatory gut bacteria and increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing probiotics. These changes correlated strongly with decreased systemic inflammation marker hs-CRP.
Research Background
Ketogenic diet is known for weight loss and epilepsy treatment, but its long-term effects on gut microecology remain controversial. This study used metagenomics and metabolomics to explore how very low-carb diets reshape the gut environment.
Study at a Glance
Study Overview
Source: bioRxiv (Preprint)
Intervention: Very Low Carb Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) vs. Standard Balanced Diet
Key Finding: Ketones (like β-hydroxybutyrate) directly inhibit growth of certain pathogenic bacteria
- Reduced diversity: Short-term decrease in microbiome diversity, but functional bacteria became more concentrated.
- Key genera: Akkermansia muciniphila abundance significantly increased; this bacterium correlates positively with metabolic health.
- Pathogen inhibition: Certain pro-inflammatory subgroups of Bacteroidetes were suppressed.
Clinical Implications
- More than weight loss: Ketogenic diet exerts anti-inflammatory effects through gut microbiome, potentially benefiting autoimmune diseases.
- Focus on fiber intake: During keto, consume sufficient non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, spinach) for microbiome health.
- Individual variation: Microbiome response to diet is highly individualized; consider HbA1c monitoring for metabolic response.
Limitations
- Small sample size, 8-week intervention only
- Long-term keto effects on gut barrier function need further observation
FAQ
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