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Meta-Analysis
. 2024 Sep;49(3):264-277.
doi: 10.1111/nbu.12693. Epub 2024 Jun 24.

Effects of ketogenic diets on cancer-related variables: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Belinda Salido-Bueno  1 , Esther Gil-Hernandez  2 , Lola Rueda-Ruzafa  1   3   4 , Pablo Gomez-Chica  5 , Pablo Roman  1   3   4 , Diana Cardona  1   4
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Effects of ketogenic diets on cancer-related variables: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Belinda Salido-Bueno et al. Nutr Bull. 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Cancer is a global health concern influenced by genetics, environment and lifestyle choices. Recent research shows that a ketogenic diet (KD) might ease cancer symptoms and reduce tumour size. We hypothesised that the KD could result in improvements in cancer-related variables. Therefore, this study aims to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the KD's efficacy for patients with cancer. The databases PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, CINAHL and Open Grey were utilised for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. The analysis was limited to randomised controlled trials with adult participants aged 18 years and above. Levels of glucose, cholesterol, insulin-like growth factor 1, weight and quality of life were evaluated following the KD. After identifying 596 articles in the initial search, eight studies, lasting between 4 and 16 weeks, were included in the systematic review and seven in the meta-analysis. The KD led to decreased glucose levels in patients with cancer but did not show significant improvements in cholesterol, insulin-like growth factor 1, weight or quality of life. Based on the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis, there is insufficient evidence to establish a definitive link between the KD and cancer-related parameters. While some studies suggest potential benefits in terms of some outcomes and tumour size reduction, further research is required to fully comprehend the effects of this diet.

Keywords: chemotherapy, adjuvant; diet, ketogenic; glucose; neoplasms; systematic review; tumour cells.

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References

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