A new study published in the July 7, 2021 online edition of Neurology suggests that a modified ketogenic diet may be recommended for people with brain tumors. This type of diet is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. The small research showed that the keto diet is safe and feasible for the so-called astrocytomas. All subjects examined had completed radiation and chemotherapy. However, the diet plan led to changes in the metabolism in the body and brain. However, the study was not designed to determine whether such a diet could slow tumor growth or improve survival chances.
According to the study authors, there are not many effective treatments for this type of brain tumor, and survival rates are low. For this reason, new advances in this area are very welcome for medicine. Such cancer cells rely on glucose, or sugar, to divide and grow. Because the ketogenic diet is low in carbohydrates, the body changes its energy needs. Instead of carbohydrates, he uses so-called ketones. Normal brain cells can survive on ketones, but the theory is that cancer cells cannot use ketones for energy. 25 people with astrocytomas took part in the study. They followed a type of ketogenic diet called the modified Atkins diet for eight weeksintermittent fasting. The diet included foods such as bacon, eggs, cream, butter, green leafy vegetables and fish. The main goal of the study was to see whether people were able to follow the diet without serious side effects.
Urine tests showed that 80% of people reached a level where their bodies primarily used fats and proteins for fuel instead of carbohydrates. At the end of the study, changes in metabolism in the body and brain were observed. TheBlood hemoglobin levelsA1c, insulin levels and body fat mass decreased. Lean body mass increased. Specialized brain scans that detect changes in metabolites showed an increase in ketones and metabolic changes in the tumor.
The results show that the diet is safe for people with brain tumors and can successfully produce changes in metabolism. A limitationthis studyis that study team members had a high level of contact with participants, which may not be possible in a larger study or in routine clinical care.
