What health issues did mice develop on a long-term ketogenic diet?

Mice on a long-term ketogenic diet developed fatty liver disease, unhealthy blood fat levels, and impaired blood sugar regulation.

Are there sex-specific differences in the effects of the ketogenic diet in mice?

Yes, male mice showed more severe fatty liver and impaired liver function, while female mice did not develop the same liver fat buildup.

What did the study find about mice's response to carbohydrates after a ketogenic diet?

After a ketogenic diet, mice experienced prolonged high blood sugar spikes when given carbohydrates, indicating their bodies were not releasing enough insulin.

Home / Health / Ketogenic Diet Risks: Mice Study Reveals Health Dangers

Ketogenic Diet Risks: Mice Study Reveals Health Dangers

1 Feb

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Summary

Long-term ketogenic diet in mice caused fatty liver disease.
Mice showed impaired blood sugar regulation after keto diet.
Male mice experienced more severe liver issues than females.

Ketogenic Diet Risks: Mice Study Reveals Health Dangers

Scientific trials using mice have uncovered potential health detriments linked to prolonged adherence to the ketogenic diet, a popular weight-loss strategy. Researchers observed that mice subjected to a high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet for an extended period, approximately nine months or more, developed concerning health issues.

Despite gaining less weight compared to mice on other diets, those on the strict ketogenic regimen exhibited signs of fatty liver disease, abnormal blood fat levels, and compromised blood sugar control. Their bodies' response to carbohydrates became skewed, leading to prolonged high blood sugar spikes, indicating insufficient insulin production rather than insulin resistance.

Furthermore, the study noted sex-specific effects. Male mice on the ketogenic diet displayed more pronounced fatty liver conditions and impaired liver function, whereas female mice did not exhibit the same degree of liver fat accumulation under identical circumstances.