A new study shows that the ketogenic diet, if followed long-term without a break, could be harmful to cells by causing them to age.
- Following a ketogenic diet long-term, without breaks, would contribute to cell aging.
- This is linked to cellular senescence, a physiological process which leads to a modification of the functions of the cell and an irreversible cessation of its divisions.
- According to researchers, taking breaks could reverse this harmful effect of the ketogenic diet.
Weight loss, improvement in diabetes, reduction in epileptic seizures… Generally, when we talk about the ketogenic diet, it’s a good thing! But, according to a new study published in the journal Science Advances, this type of diet low in carbohydrates, rich in lipids and moderate in proteins – also called keto diet – does not only have good sides. It would cause certain cells to age!
The ketogenic diet induces cell aging
Indeed, in their work, researchers from theUT Health San Antonioin the United States, show that a ketogenic diet followed over the long term, that is to say without a break, could induce aging of certain cells, particularly in the heart and kidneys.
The authors came to this conclusion after conducting experiments on mice. They followed, at different ages, ketogenic diets between 7 and 21 days. Analyzes were then carried out. Results: this type of feeding resulted in cellular senescence in several rodent organs, notably the heart and kidneys.
Cellular senescence is, according to the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), a physiological process which leads to a modification of the functions of the cell and an irreversible cessation of its divisions. The accumulation of these “aged cells” is associated with various aging-related diseases.
However, the authors want to be reassuring: if the ketogenic diet is intermittent, with breaks, there is no harmful impact on the cells.
“Thirteen million Americans are on a ketogenic diet, and we say that you need to take breaks from this diet, otherwise there could be long-term consequences, indicates David Gius, one of the authors, in a communicated.
Taking breaks from the keto diet
Furthermore, during their experiment, the scientists found two ways to slow down cellular senescence linked to the ketogenic diet:
- By giving senolytics to rodents: these are drugs capable of destroying senescent cells.
- By having them follow the keto diet intermittently: that is, with breaks.
“Given that cellular senescence has been implicated in organ diseases, our findings have important clinical implications for understanding the use of a ketogenic diet, explains David Gius. As with other nutritional interventions, you need to “take a keto break”.”
