JAMA Psychiatr

Keto diet shows modest benefit in treatment-resistant depression

February 5, 2026

In a randomized trial (NCT06091163) of 88 adults (mean age, 42 years; 69% female) with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a 6‑week ketogenic diet led to greater reductions in depressive symptoms than a well-matched control diet, though both groups improved substantially. Participants receiving prepared ketogenic meals plus weekly dietetic support had a larger mean drop in the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‑9) scores at 6 weeks, with a modest between-group effect size. Benefits were less clear at 12 weeks, and anxiety outcomes were similar between groups, underscoring the need for cautious interpretation.

Clinical takeaway: For select patients with TRD, a supervised ketogenic diet may be considered as an adjunct—not a replacement—to standard treatments, with close monitoring and dietitian involvement.

Source:

Gao M, et al. (2026, February 4). JAMA Psychiatry. A Ketogenic Diet for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2844388