A recent study conducted by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has discovered that ongoing, prolonged adherence to a ketogenic diet may lead to the aging of cells in normal tissues. This has specific implications for heart and kidney function. However, taking planned breaks from the diet could be beneficial in preventing this effect. A strict ketogenic diet, which is popular for weight loss and diabetes management, may not be as advantageous as previously thought, as it could potentially induce cell aging.The research showed that a ketogenic diet can cause inflammation in normal tissues, especially affecting heart and kidney function. However, the study found that taking planned breaks from the diet can help prevent pro-inflammatory effects on aged cells. This suggests that the benefits of a ketogenic diet may be improved by taking regular breaks.
According to David Gius, MD, PhD, assistant dean of research and professor, ”To put this in perspective, 13 million Americans use a ketogenic diet, and we are saying that you need to take breaks from this diet or there could be long-term consequences.”Professor within the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio, and associate cancer director for translational research at the institution’s Mays Cancer Center.
He is the main writer of the recent study titled, “Ketogenic diet induces p53-dependent cellular senescence in multiple organs,” released on May 17 in the journal Science Advances. Other contributors are also affiliated with the Department of Radiation Oncology and Mays Cancer Center, as well as the Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Center for Precision Medicine, School of Nursing, and Division of NNephrology in the Department of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio; and both the Houston Methodist Cancer Center and Houston Methodist Research Institute.
Excess of a positive thing?
A ketogenic diet, commonly referred to as keto-friendly, is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that results in the production of ketones, a type of chemical that the liver creates when it breaks down fats. While a ketogenic diet improves certain health conditions and is popular for weight loss, it has also been reported to have pro-inflammatory effects.
The new study demonstrates that mice on two different ketogenic diets, and at different ages, stimulateCellular senescence in various organs, such as the heart and kidney, was found to be present. However, this cellular senescence was eradicated using a senolytic, a type of small molecules that can eliminate senescent cells, and prevented by the use of an intermittent ketogenic diet regimen.
“Since cellular senescence is linked to organ disease, our findings have significant clinical implications for understanding the benefits of a ketogenic diet,” Gius explained. “Similar to other dietary interventions, it is important to ‘take a keto break.’
