Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy Research for Mental Health Gathers Pace

Multiple Randomised Control Trials Currently Taking Place

According to the Metabolic Mind Research Database, there are currently at least 10 randomised control trials underway across a number of countries around the world.

Currently, ketogenic metabolic therapies are being explored in their efficacy in:

• Treatment Resistant Depression

• Major Depressive Disorder

• Bipolar Disorder

• Schizophrenia

• First Episode Psychosis

• Anorexia Nervosa

• Autism

• ADHD

• PTSD

Dr Erin Bellamy from IKRT is also conducting a pilot trial exploring the efficacy of ketogenic metabolic therapy in those with depression and/or anxiety which is currently underway at the University of East London.

As the field of Metabolic Psychiatry expands, Dr Iain Campbell and Prof Daniel Smith, were on the BBC Radio 4 show, All in the Mind, where they discussed the potential benefits of the intervention. It's great to see this important work get the attention it deserves!

Why is this important?

• This research is important because it is testing a novel hypothesis in psychiatry: that some forms of serious mental illness may involve disturbances in brain energy metabolism, and that metabolic interventions such as ketogenic therapy could help address these underlying mechanisms rather than only managing symptoms.

• The clinical trials listed include conditions such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, anorexia nervosa, and anxiety disorders, representing some of the most disabling and treatment resistant psychiatric conditions.

• A key strength is that the field is moving beyond case reports and retrospective studies toward prospective clinical trials and randomised controlled trials, which provide much stronger evidence about efficacy and safety.

• Several early studies have reported improvements not only in psychiatric symptoms but also in metabolic health markers, which is particularly relevant because many people with severe mental illness experience obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Useful Links

If you’d like, you can visit and read for free, Dr Erin Bellamy's study protocol.

https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN96463686

You can explore the Metabolic Mind Research Database on this link:

www.metabolicmind.org

Research Database | Metabolic Mind

Decades of both exploratory and rigorous scientific research demonstrate that mental illness often arises from metabolic dysfunction affecting the brain. A growing body of published papers are establishing the connection between underlying metabolic function and cognition, perception, mood and behavior.

If you want to make sure you are eating the right foods for ketogenic metabolic therapy, you can start here:

ikrt.simplero.com

Ketogenic Therapy for Mental Health Food List

Wondering what to eat on a ketogenic diet for mental health without getting overwhelmed? Get my Free Ketogenic Therapy (for Mental Health) Food Li...

At IKRT, we offer a range of programs designed to educate and support you in ketogenic metabolic therapy. If you are interested in learning more, please visit:

ikrt.org

Integrative Ketogenic Research and Therapies | IKRT

At IKRT, Dr Bellamy supports people with mental health conditions to learn how to use ketogenic metabolic therapy safely and effectively, with professional guidance, education, and community support. IKRT offers personalised ketogenic metabolic therapy for mental health conditions. Structured, supported online programs and consultations for depression, anxiety, and brain health, because this work is not meant to be done alone.