Replicate RCT Ketogenic diet
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring true interindividual heterogeneity of CVD risk factors in response to low-carbohydrate diets using a replicate crossover randomised controlled trial.
IRAS ID
353067
Contact name
Javier Gonzalez
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bath
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
Ketogenic diets are very low-carbohydrate diets that increase hepatic production of ketone bodies, which have several effects as substrates and signals. Ketogenic diets are used to manage some conditions (e.g., drug-resistant epilepsy), and their potential for managing many other conditions (e.g., cancer) is being actively explored. Indeed, the British Dietetic Association acknowledge the potential for ketogenic diets to improve glycaemic control to a greater extent than some other diets in people with type 2 diabetes. A lower fasting glucose is also relevant to future mortality in people without diabetes. Ketogenic diets are popular in the general population, with up to 15% of the UK following a low-carbohydrate diet. There is, therefore, great interest in ketogenic diets amongst people with and without health conditions.
However, although the diet shows promising results in improving blood sugar levels, it has also shown to increase LDL-cholesterol in some individuals, which has been linked to increased cardiovascular health risks. The aim of this project is to find the potential for personalised use of (or guidance to avoid) ketogenic diets for cardiovascular disease risk. To do that we will ask participants to replicate 24 hours of a ketogenic diet and a control diet thrice each. This will allow us to find variability between responses and have a better idea of individuals who could benefit (or not) from following the ketogenic diet.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0199
Date of REC Opinion
26 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion