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Review
. 2024 Dec 1;82(12):1835-1844.
doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad152.

Impact of ketogenic diet on cardiovascular disease

Mohamed S Zaghloul  1 , Santiago Elizondo-Benedetto  1 , Mohamed A Zayed  1   2   3   4   5
Affiliations
Review

Impact of ketogenic diet on cardiovascular disease

Mohamed S Zaghloul et al. Nutr Rev. .

Abstract

Objectives: A comprehensive review of the current literature was conducted to summarize the potential therapeutic and management roles of ketogenic diet (KD) for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Background: Consensus has not been reached on the optimal diet for individuals with cardiovascular risk factors. KDs are characterized by high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and appropriate protein content, and have gained popularity in recent years in the management of various conditions, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Methods: Original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses available in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were reviewed.

Results: The current body of preclinical and clinical evidence on the efficacy of KD in the management of CVD remains limited. Specific applications of KD seem to suggest a positive impact on management of CVD. However, conflicting results and a lack of precise molecular and biochemical mechanisms of action provide ample opportunity for future investigation.

Conclusion: More multidisciplinary studies are needed to determine the true clinical benefit of KD in the management of CVD and so justify its expanded clinical use.

Keywords: atherosclerosis; cardiovascular diseases; ketogenic diet; life style; nutrition.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Metabolism of fatty acids and ketogenesis. Circulating fatty acids in the blood stream originating from high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets, and adipose tissue are metabolized in the liver. β-Fatty acid oxidation leads to the production of acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA). A series of mitochondrial enzymatic reactions leads to conversion of acetyl-CoA into ketone bodies such as acetone, acetoacetate, and β-hydroxybutyrate. HMG, β-hydroxy β-methylglutaryl; HMGCS2, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase 2.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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