Ketogenic diet affects tumors via lipids, not ketones, study finds
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A Nature study published July 15 finds that the ketogenic diet suppresses intestinal tumor growth in mice through dietary lipids, not ketone bodies. The finding challenges assumptions about the diet's anti-cancer mechanism.
The Study Design
Researchers at the University of Cambridge used mouse models of spontaneous intestinal adenoma (APC mutation) to test the ketogenic diet's effects. They compared a standard ketogenic diet (90% fat, 1% carbohydrates) with a modified version that blocked ketogenesis in the liver or intestine. The study also tested a high-fat diet that did not induce ketosis.
Key Findings
The standard ketogenic diet reduced intestinal tumor number by 50% compared to a control diet. However, when ketogenesis was genetically blocked, the anti-tumor effect persisted, indicating ketones were not the active agent. In contrast, a high-fat diet without ketosis also suppressed tumors, suggesting dietary lipids themselves mediate the effect.
Implications for Cancer Prevention
The findings suggest that the ketogenic diet's anti-tumor properties may stem from lipid composition rather than metabolic state. The authors caution that dietary strategies for cancer prevention should consider lipid profiles, not just carbohydrate restriction. The study was funded by Cancer Research UK and the Wellcome Trust.
What's Next
Further studies are needed to identify which specific lipids are responsible and whether the effect translates to humans. Clinical trials testing dietary interventions for colorectal cancer prevention may need to reassess their mechanistic assumptions.
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Ketogenic diet affects tumors via lipids, not ketones, study finds
