Recent Study Highlights Potential Risks of Keto Diet on Cholesterol and Gut Health
A recent study has brought new insights into the ketogenic diet, commonly known as keto, revealing some concerning effects on cholesterol levels and gut health. This research compared the keto diet to a diet low in added sugars and a control diet, aiming to understand their impacts on fat loss, cholesterol, and metabolic health.
Related Article Keto Diet May Raise ‘Bad’ LDL Cholesterol, Reduce ‘Good’ Gut Bacteria
Impact on Cholesterol Levels
The ketogenic diet, characterized by its high-fat and low-carbohydrate composition, was associated with a significant increase in “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is often termed “bad” because elevated levels are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. In particular, the study found that participants on the keto diet had higher levels of small and medium-sized LDL particles. Smaller LDL particles are considered more harmful as they can more easily penetrate the arterial walls and contribute to plaque formation, leading to atherosclerosis.
Furthermore, the keto diet led to an increase in apolipoprotein B (apoB), a protein associated with LDL cholesterol. Elevated levels of apoB are linked to a higher risk of developing cardiovascular issues, including heart disease and stroke. The study indicated that participants on the keto diet had a notable increase in apoB levels compared to those following the low-added-sugar diet and the control diet.
Effects on Gut Health
Another significant finding from the study was the impact of the keto diet on gut health. The research observed a reduction in beneficial gut bacteria, specifically Bifidobacteria, among participants on the keto diet. Bifidobacteria are crucial for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, supporting digestion, and boosting the immune system. A decrease in these beneficial bacteria can lead to various health issues, including metabolic and immune system disorders.
The keto diet’s restriction of carbohydrates, including dietary fiber, likely contributed to this reduction in beneficial gut bacteria. Fiber is essential for feeding gut microbiota, and its deficiency can impair gut health. In contrast, the low-added-sugar diet did not show any negative effects on gut microbiome diversity, highlighting its potential benefits over the keto diet in maintaining gut health.
Glucose Metabolism and Tolerance
The study also explored how the keto diet affects glucose metabolism. While participants on the keto diet had lower blood glucose levels before meals, indicating some improvement in glucose control, they exhibited impaired glucose tolerance after eating. This means that glucose was removed from their bloodstream less efficiently following meals, leading to a prolonged period of elevated blood sugar levels.
This impaired glucose tolerance can have significant implications for long-term metabolic health. Efficient glucose management is crucial for overall health, and prolonged high blood sugar levels can increase the risk of developing conditions like diabetes.
Long-Term Implications
The long-term health effects of the keto diet are still a subject of ongoing research. The study highlights a mixed picture: some metabolic changes observed with the keto diet, such as reduced fasting glucose levels, might be beneficial, while others, like increased apoB levels and reduced gut bacteria, could be concerning.
Dr. Javier Gonzalez, a study author and professor at the University of Bath, expressed the need for further research to determine the long-term implications of these findings. He noted that the health outcomes of the keto diet might vary depending on individual health conditions and responses. Dr. Gonzalez’s team plans to continue investigating whether personalized approaches or targeted supplementation could mitigate some of the adverse effects associated with the keto diet.
Comparative Analysis with Low-Sugar Diet
In contrast to the keto diet, the diet low in added sugars was associated with favorable health outcomes. Participants following the low-sugar diet did not experience the negative side effects observed with the keto diet, such as increased bad cholesterol or reduced beneficial gut bacteria. This suggests that a diet low in added sugars might be a healthier alternative for those looking to manage weight while maintaining cardiovascular and gut health.
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Conclusion
In summary, while both the keto diet and a low-added-sugar diet can lead to weight loss, the keto diet may come with several health trade-offs. Increased LDL cholesterol and potential harm to gut health are notable concerns. The low-added-sugar diet, on the other hand, appears to offer health benefits without the associated risks observed with the keto diet. As with any diet, individual health conditions and goals should be considered when choosing a dietary approach.
