The Ketogenic Diet: Biochemical Mechanisms and Clinical Applications
A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Nutrition".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 January 2026 | Viewed by 10
Special Issue Editor
2. Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
Interests: nutrition; medicinal plants; natural products; human health; bioactive compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and moderate-protein nutritional strategy that induces ketosis, a metabolic state in which the body primarily utilizes ketone bodies for energy instead of glucose. Initially developed for treating refractory epilepsy, the KD has expanded its relevance across various clinical domains. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence regarding the biochemical mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and limitations of the KD. At the physiological level, the KD modulates key metabolic pathways, reduces insulin secretion, enhances mitochondrial efficiency, and influences signaling cascades such as AMPK and mTOR. These mechanisms contribute to the KD’s reported benefits in metabolic conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as in neurological disorders and certain cancers. Despite its therapeutic potential, concerns remain regarding long-term adherence, nutritional deficiencies, and possible adverse effects, particularly in specific populations. The KD should be implemented with medical supervision and tailored to individual needs.
This Special Issue highlights both the promise and the complexity of the KD. While evidence supports its short- and medium-term use in select conditions, more rigorous and long-term studies are needed. Standardized protocols and a personalized approach are essential to maximize its safety and efficacy in clinical practice.
Prof. Dr. Jose M. Soriano del Castillo
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- ketogenic diet
- ketosis
- metabolic pathways
- therapeutic applications
- personalized nutrition
- long-term adherence
- insulin modulation
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