Overview

• Sixteen of 24 enrolled students with major depressive disorder completed 10–12 weeks of a ketogenic diet under 50 grams of carbs per day alongside their existing care.
• Self-reported depression scores fell 37% by week two and about 69% by the end, while clinician ratings dropped 59% at week six and 71% by weeks 10–12.
• Participants achieved nutritional ketosis about 73% of the time, lost an average of 11 pounds, and improved on tests of memory, processing speed, and executive function.
• Perceived global well-being nearly tripled by study end, and no significant changes were observed in cholesterol or triglycerides.
• The peer-reviewed pilot, published in Translational Psychiatry, prompted calls for larger randomized trials as some nutrition experts warned keto can be restrictive and suggested considering balanced options such as the Mediterranean diet.