Keto Diet Shows Potential in Treating Autoimmune Disorders

Research from UC San Francisco reveals that the ketogenic diet may alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis in mice by altering gut microbiota.

The study found that the ketogenic diet prompts the production of β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB), a ketone body that reduces inflammation in mice with multiple sclerosis.
βHB influences the gut bacterium Lactobacillus murinus to produce indole lactic acid (ILA), which blocks activation of T helper 17 cells involved in autoimmune diseases.
Mice unable to produce βHB experienced more severe symptoms, but supplementation with βHB improved their condition.
Research suggests that diet-based supplements might offer a more tolerable treatment option for autoimmune disorders compared to strict dietary restrictions.
Further testing in humans is needed to determine if these findings can be translated into effective treatments for autoimmune diseases.