What If Diet Could Help Treat Depression? New Research Shows Promise

By Jeff Volek, PhD

Depression among college students has reached crisis levels. Nearly half of U.S. college students report symptoms of depression, and about 15% say they've considered suicide. One-fifth take prescription antidepressants, and more than one-third receive mental-health counseling.

As a professor at The Ohio State University, I've seen firsthand the toll this crisis takes on my students. But as a scientist studying low-carbohydrate diets for over two decades, I've also seen something else: individuals following these diets often experience unexpected improvements in mental health.

That apparent connection and the understanding that some of the documented benefits of a ketogenic diet overlap with the pathophysiology of depression sparked my scientific curiosity -- and a first-of-its-kind pilot study. My colleagues and I recently set out to examine whether a whole-food, well-formulated ketogenic diet -- high in healthy fats, moderate in protein, and very low in carbohydrates -- could support students being treated for major depressive disorder.

The results were striking.

Over 10 to 12 weeks, participants followed a supervised ketogenic diet while continuing their usual counseling or medication. Of the 24 students who enrolled, 16 completed the program and maintained a state of nutritional ketosis -- meaning their bodies had shifted away from relying on carbohydrates for fuel to utilizing primarily fat.

By the end of the study, symptoms of depression had fallen by about 70% on two widely used clinical scales, while self-reported well-being nearly tripled. Participants even performed better on tests of memory and mental speed -- skills that depression often dulls.

This was a small, short-term study, but our preliminary findings are very encouraging. They build on a growing body of evidence that ketogenic therapy -- originally developed a century ago to treat epilepsy -- may have benefits for serious mental illnesses.

In a pilot trial at Stanford, people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia who adopted a ketogenic diet saw not only improvements in blood sugar and weight, but also significant reductions in psychiatric symptoms. And, in another trial at the University of Edinburgh, participants with bipolar disorder following this diet reported improvements in "mood, energy, impulsivity, and anxiety."

In light of recent pilot studies -- including our own -- and rising rates of depression among young people, continued investigation through larger, controlled trials is warranted to further clarify the link between diet and mental health.

It's important to note that therapy and medication remain life-saving treatments for many patients with depression. But nutritional interventions could serve as powerful complements -- enhancing or accelerating recovery for those living with mental health conditions.

The crisis facing college students demands fresh, evidence-based solutions. That means that our institutions -- particularly universities and healthcare systems, both of which I've spent my life within -- must reconsider how best to support students by broadening the conversation around depression. And it means investing in rigorous studies of metabolic and nutritional therapies, just as we would for any promising new medication.

Jeff Volek, PhD, is a professor and researcher at The Ohio State University and an advisory committee member for the Coalition for Metabolic Health.

Editor’s note: This commentary references early pilot research that has not yet been validated through large, randomized clinical trials. Dietary interventions are not a substitute for medical treatment. Readers should consult healthcare professionals before making any changes to their mental health or nutrition.