Ketosis Suppression And Ageing (KetoSAge) Part 2 The Effect Of Suppressing Ketosis On Biomarkers Associated With Ageing, HOMA IR, Leptin, Osteocalcin, And GLP 1, In Healthy Females

This study examined what happens when people following a ketogenic diet temporarily return to eating carbohydrates. Researchers followed 10 healthy, lean women who had been maintaining nutritional ketosis (a metabolic state where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates) for nearly 4 years on average. The participants went through three phases: staying on their ketogenic diet, switching to a higher-carb diet that suppressed ketosis for 21 days, then returning to their ketogenic diet.

When the women temporarily stopped ketosis by eating more carbohydrates, several important health markers deteriorated significantly. Their insulin levels nearly doubled, their blood sugar increased, and their insulin resistance (measured by HOMA-IR) more than doubled - all signs of worsening metabolic health. Additionally, their leptin levels (a hormone that signals fullness) increased more than three-fold, and markers related to bone health also rose, which may indicate increased bone turnover.

The changes observed during the carbohydrate phase are particularly concerning because elevated insulin, blood sugar, and insulin resistance are associated with accelerated aging and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other age-related conditions. Fortunately, when participants returned to their ketogenic diet, these markers improved again, though some didn't fully return to baseline within the 21-day period.

This research suggests that the metabolic benefits of ketogenic diets may be quickly reversible when carbohydrates are reintroduced, highlighting the importance of dietary consistency for those using nutritional ketosis as a metabolic health strategy. For patients considering or currently following ketogenic approaches, this underscores the value of working with healthcare providers to maintain long-term adherence and monitor metabolic markers.