PD Dr. med. Timur Liwinski

Research Project  | 1 Project Members

Major depressive disorder (MDD) significantly impacts millions worldwide, with limited success in achieving remission for many patients, leading to high disease burden and increased suicide risk. Psychotherapy and antidepressants, although effective, do not provide relief for all, prompting the search for alternative treatments. Western dietary trends, characterized by nutrient-poor ultra-processed foods, have coincided with rising mental health issues. Previous interventions targeting specific nutrients have shown limited success. Carbohydrate-rich diets are linked to worsened mental health through hormonal responses. The ketogenic diet, low in carbohydrates, has demonstrated positive effects on brain health. Despite its proven benefits in epilepsy, its potential for psychiatric disorders is underexplored. Our study aims to investigate the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in alleviating MDD symptoms, filling a critical gap in psychiatric treatment options and offering a novel dietary approach with potential to mitigate disease burden and enhance mental well-being.

The study intervention consists of implementing a modified Atkins ketogenic diet and spans a duration of 10 weeks. This dietary approach focuses on significantly reducing carbohydrate intake while increasing the consumption of fats and to a lesser extent protein. Participants assigned to the ketogenic diet arm will be guided through a gradual transition into the dietary regimen over a 2-week adaptation phase. During this phase, they will work with a dietitian to learn about the dietary specifics, food preferences, and monitoring procedures. Throughout the subsequent 8-week full ketogenic metabolic intervention, participants will adhere to the modified Atkins ketogenic diet, which emphasizes foods like meats, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, low-carb vegetables, and healthy fats. The goal is to induce a state of nutritional ketosis, where the body transitions from using mainly carbohydrates to increasingly burning fat for energy. Regular meetings with the dietitian will ensure dietary adherence, provide education, and address any concerns. Participants' physical activity and hydration will also be monitored to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the dietary intervention.