U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., recently claimed that a ketogenic diet can “cure” schizophrenia, sparking debate among medical experts. The claim, made during a speech in Tennessee on , highlighted preliminary research suggesting potential benefits of the diet for some individuals with mental health conditions, but experts caution against characterizing it as a cure.
Kennedy cited the work of a Harvard doctor who he said had “cured schizophrenia using keto diets,” and suggested studies showed people could even “lose their bipolar diagnosis” through dietary changes. He specifically referenced a ketogenic diet, which typically derives at least 70 percent of its calories from fat, around 20 percent from protein, and minimizes carbohydrate intake.
However, experts are pushing back on the assertion that the keto diet represents a cure for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Christopher Palmer, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, clarified that he has never used the word “cure” in relation to his research on ketogenic diets, and schizophrenia. He described the diet as a “metabolic intervention” rather than a simple dietary fix.
The basis for Kennedy’s claim appears to stem from a case study co-authored by Palmer, published in Schizophrenia Research. This study documented the experiences of two women with schizophrenia who experienced a remission of psychotic symptoms after adopting a ketogenic diet. The study tracked weight and symptoms using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), a standard measure in schizophrenia research.
While the case study is intriguing, experts emphasize that it involved only two patients and cannot be generalized to the broader population with schizophrenia. Jeff Volek, a professor who has extensively studied ketogenic diets, stated he is unaware of any published clinical trial demonstrating a cure for schizophrenia through the use of a keto diet. He acknowledged, however, that individual cases of symptom improvement attributable to the diet are possible.
The ketogenic diet originated in the 19th century and was initially used to manage diabetes. In the 1920s, it gained traction as a treatment for pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy, demonstrating an ability to reduce seizures. The diet works by shifting the body’s metabolism from utilizing glucose to producing ketones for energy, a state known as ketosis. While the diet has shown short-term benefits like weight loss and improvements in cholesterol and blood sugar levels, the long-term effects remain under investigation.
It’s important to note that antipsychotic medications remain the primary treatment for schizophrenia, despite potential side effects and varying levels of effectiveness. The potential role of dietary interventions like the ketogenic diet is being explored as a complementary approach, but it is not currently considered a replacement for standard medical care.
Research suggests that ketogenic diets may have a role in other neurological conditions. For example, individuals with severe and rare seizure disorders like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome have shown benefits from strict, clinically monitored ketogenic diets. Palmer notes that psychiatry has historically drawn on treatments developed for epilepsy, suggesting a potential link between metabolic interventions and mental health.
Palmer hypothesizes that the keto diet may influence brain inflammation, a mechanism that could be relevant in various psychiatric conditions. However, he stresses that a ketogenic diet used for therapeutic purposes is a rigid treatment protocol, distinct from general dietary choices for health and wellness. He cautioned against individuals self-treating schizophrenia with a keto diet without medical supervision.
Preliminary research also suggests potential benefits of ketogenic diets for major depression. A recent clinical trial indicated a slightly greater improvement in symptoms among participants following a keto diet compared to those consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. However, this research does not definitively establish the diet as a cure for depression.
Two randomized, controlled trials investigating the ketogenic diet for schizophrenia recently concluded, with results expected to be published in the coming year. These trials, with Palmer as a consultant to one, may provide further insight into the potential benefits and limitations of this dietary approach for individuals with schizophrenia.
While the idea of a dietary cure for a complex mental illness is appealing, experts emphasize the need for rigorous scientific evidence and caution against overstating the current findings. The ketogenic diet may offer a potential avenue for symptom management in some individuals, but it is not a universally applicable cure and should be approached under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
