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Bohnen JLB, Wigstrom TP, Griggs AM, Roytman S, Paalanen RR, Andrews HA, Bohnen NI, Franklin JJH, McInnis MG. Ketogenic-Mimicking Diet as a Therapeutic Modality for Bipolar Disorder: Biomechanistic Rationale and Protocol for a Pilot Clinical Trial. Nutrients 2023; 15:3068. [PMID: 37447394 PMCID: PMC10346691 DOI: 10.3390/nu15133068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in the investigation of ketogenic diets as a potential therapy for bipolar disorder. The overlapping pharmacotherapies utilized for both bipolar disorder and seizures suggest that a mechanistic overlap may exist between these conditions, with fasting and the ketogenic diet representing the most time-proven therapies for seizure control. Recently, preliminary evidence has begun to emerge supporting a potential role for ketogenic diets in treating bipolar disorder. Notably, some patients may struggle to initiate a strict diet in the midst of a mood episode or significant life stressors. The key question addressed by this pilot clinical trial protocol is if benefits can be achieved with a less restrictive diet, as this would allow such an intervention to be accessible for more patients. Recent development of so-called ketone esters, that once ingested is converted to natural ketone bodies, combined with low glycemic index dietary changes has the potential to mimic two foundational components of therapeutic ketosis: high levels of ketones and minimal spiking of glucose/insulin. This pilot clinical trial protocol thus aims to investigate the effect of a 'ketogenic-mimicking diet' (combining supplementation of ketone esters with a low glycemic index dietary intervention) on neural network stability, mood, and biomarker outcomes in the setting of bipolar disorder. Positive findings obtained via this pilot clinical trial protocol may support future target engagement studies of ketogenic-mimicking diets or related ketogenic interventions. A lack of positive findings, in contrast, may justify a focus on more strict dietary interventions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexis M. Griggs
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Neurology Service and GRECC, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Stiven Roytman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | | | - Nicolaas I. Bohnen
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Neurology Service and GRECC, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Morris K. Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson’s Disease Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Parkinson’s Foundation Research Center of Excellence, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Melvin G. McInnis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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