Can a ketogenic diet help improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms?

A new meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry examined 50 different keto studies, totaling over 40,000 participants, that included depression and anxiety outcomes. The results of the review demonstrated a modest improvement in depression symptoms across different populations and diagnoses in both controlled and real-world scenarios, and greater symptom improvement was observed in trials that included ketone monitoring. Improvements in anxiety were also observed in most studies, but with less consistency than depressive symptoms.

While many of these studies weren't originally designed to treat depression or anxiety, the consistent improvements associated with verified ketosis as well as the larger effect seen in “very low carbohydrate” diets compared to just “low carbohydrate” diets, tell us that ketogenic therapy for depression warrants further investigation. And when we combine the findings with the results of another recent additional study on keto for depression (not included in the analysis), we can’t help but wonder how many people could benefit from ketogenic therapy.

In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down:

• What the JAMA Psychiatry paper actually reviewed
• How ketosis may support mood and brain function
• Key findings from both randomized and non-randomized trials
• How measuring ketosis was associated with better depression improvements
• Safety considerations and medication interactions to watch for

This JAMA review highlights growing scientific interest in ketogenic therapy for serious mental illness, driven by early scientific evidence and thousands of individuals worldwide reporting significant improvements in mental health with ketogenic therapy.

Looking for more information on ketogenic therapy for depression? Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to be notified when our brand-new Keto for Depression Resource Hub is available!

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Expert Featured:

Dr. Bret Scher

• Medical Director, Metabolic Mind and Baszucki Group
• https://x.com/bschermd

Resources Mentioned:

Ketogenic Diets and Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

• https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2025.3261

Blog: A Ketogenic Diet was Associated with improvements in Depression in College Students

• https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/news-views/blog/perspectives-in-metabolic-psychiatry/new-research-a-ketogenic-diet-improved-depression-in-college-students/

Edinburgh Trial Showing Improvements in Depression Symptoms in Patients Living with Bipolar Disorder

• https://www.metabolicmind.org/trials/featured-post/first-european-trial-shows-promise-of-keto-as-a-new-treatment-for-bipolar/

Stanford Study Shows Keto Improves Symptoms of Serious Mental Illness

• https://www.metabolicmind.org/trials/featured/stanford-study-shows-promise-of-keto/

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Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.

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About us:

Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.

Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.