Recent claims by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Linking the ketogenic diet to a “cure” for schizophrenia have drawn swift criticism from medical experts. While preliminary research suggests potential benefits of the diet for some individuals with the condition, experts caution against characterizing it as a cure, emphasizing the risk of misleading patients and potentially dangerous self-treatment.
Kennedy made the assertion , during a stop in Tennessee as part of a national tour promoting the administration’s revised dietary guidelines, which prioritize higher protein and fat intake. He cited the work of a Harvard researcher as evidence, stating that keto diets had successfully “cured schizophrenia” in some cases. However, the researcher in question, Harvard Medical School assistant professor Christopher Palmer, clarified that Kennedy significantly overstated his findings.
“It’s unfortunate that he used the word cure,” Palmer stated in an interview. “If he had simply said powerful treatment, it would have been spot on.” Palmer explained that the term “cure” implies a permanent resolution, a scenario he has not observed in his clinical experience with patients suffering from severe mental illness. He drew a parallel to conditions like Type 2 diabetes, where lifestyle changes can induce remission, but symptoms often return if treatment is discontinued.
The concern, according to Palmer, is that patients might interpret such claims as a license to discontinue prescribed medications, potentially leading to severe consequences, including psychosis or the need for involuntary hospitalization. “In the worst case scenario, a patient might hear ‘Oh, I can cure my schizophrenia with a keto diet,’ and does that mean I can stop all my meds?” he asked. “That would be catastrophic.”
Palmer’s research, including a paper co-authored with colleagues, detailed the case of two patients who experienced remission of schizophrenia symptoms while adhering to a ketogenic diet. However, he stresses that this is not a universal outcome, and many patients do not respond to the diet or struggle to maintain it long-term. The ketogenic diet typically involves consuming at least 70% of daily calories from fat, around 20% from protein, and minimal carbohydrates.
The debate surrounding Kennedy’s claims highlights a broader trend of emphasizing lifestyle interventions over pharmaceutical treatments, a stance that has drawn criticism from some in the medical community. The Secretary also recently announced the Food and Drug Administration was relaxing its enforcement of federal food additive regulations, making it easier for manufacturers to claim that they are not using artificial dyes in their products.
While ketogenic therapy has a history of successful use as an evidence-based treatment for epilepsy, particularly in cases resistant to medication, its application to psychiatric conditions is still under investigation. Palmer notes that the precedent set by its effectiveness in epilepsy informs its exploration in the realm of mental health.
Experts emphasize that while the ketogenic diet may hold promise as a potential adjunct therapy for some individuals with schizophrenia, it is not a standalone cure and should not be pursued without the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. The potential benefits must be carefully weighed against the risks, and any dietary changes should be made in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, established medical treatment.
Palmer also expressed concern about the broader tendency to sensationalize scientific research, stating, “I think there is a tendency and inclination to sensationalize everything…when people are polarized, they’re fighting, they’re not working together.” He underscored the need for bipartisan cooperation to advance mental health care, adding, “We are not going to improve mental health care if we can’t all work together. Please, let’s at least come together to improve the lives of people with mental illness.”
The current understanding of schizophrenia is complex, and research continues to explore various factors contributing to the illness, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and metabolic processes. The potential role of diet in managing symptoms is an area of ongoing investigation, but it is crucial to approach such claims with caution and rely on evidence-based medical advice.
