Settings Order Article Reprints Open AccessReview Role Of A Ketogenic Diet On Body Composition, Physical Health, Psychosocial Well Being And Sports Performance In Athletes A Scoping Review

Researchers conducted a comprehensive review of 12 studies to understand how ketogenic diets (eating less than 5% of calories from carbohydrates) affect athletes' body composition, health, mental well-being, and sports performance. This is important because sports nutrition has traditionally emphasized high-carbohydrate diets for optimal performance, but interest in low-carb approaches has grown significantly.

The review found several clear benefits of ketogenic diets for athletes. Most notably, athletes following these diets experienced reductions in body weight and fat mass, which can be valuable for both performance and overall health. The diet also improved the body's ability to burn fat for fuel, a metabolic adaptation that could benefit endurance activities and metabolic flexibility.

However, the results weren't entirely positive. Some studies showed potential concerns with gut bacteria health and iron metabolism in athletes following ketogenic diets. Most importantly, the effects on actual athletic performance were inconsistent across studies - some showed benefits while others showed no change or even decreases in performance. Interestingly, athletes reported improvements in overall well-being, but only after sticking with the diet for at least two weeks, suggesting an adaptation period is necessary.

For individuals interested in metabolic health and longevity, this research suggests that ketogenic diets may offer body composition benefits and improved fat-burning capacity, but the approach requires careful consideration and monitoring. At VALIA Health, we can help evaluate whether such dietary interventions align with your individual health goals and athletic pursuits, ensuring proper implementation and monitoring of key health markers.