Effects of Ketogenic Diet on Some Immunological Parameters

Rojan G.M. Al-Allaff and Fulla Kaydar Mohmad

Background and Objective: A well-established treatment for childhood epilepsy, the Ketogenic Diet (KD) is increasingly gaining acceptance as a preventative tool for obesity. The current study aims to compare the effects of a ketogenic diet on some of the immunological parameters among obese individuals and contrast them with non-obese individuals. This includes finding the absolute numbers of white blood cells and estimating the efficacy of phagocytic cells and serum IgA concentration. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy persons were chosen for the study, with an age range between 18-45 years, a weight range before the ketogenic diet of 80-115 kg and after the ketogenic diet 60-80 kg with a height range between 155-180 cm during a period between 8-16 weeks. Their daily food was composed of high fats (80%), moderate protein (15%) and small amounts of carbohydrates (<5%). The control sample included twenty healthy subjects, their food consisted of different types of food carbohydrates (75-80%), proteins (10%) and fats (<10%). Results: The results showed a significant increase in the White Blood Cells (WBC) count in KD individuals. Additionally, no significant difference was noticed in the absolute number of neutrophils and lymphocytes. Conversely, a significant increase in the absolute number of monocytes was observed. Moreover, the study showed a significant decrease in IgA concentration in KD individuals compared with control. Conclusion: In the ketogenic system users indicated a rise in the number of monocytes and a decrease in the concentration of IgA. This provides a strong sign that autoimmune disorders are emerging.

View Fulltext Back