Ketogenic Diet Shields Developing Brains from Prenatal Stress, Study Suggests

A high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet may protect developing brains from the long-term effects of prenatal stress, according to new research presented at the ECNP conference in Amsterdam. Italian scientists found that young rats born to stressed mothers and fed a ketogenic diet after weaning showed far fewer stress-related problems than those on a normal diet. While 50% of control rats developed behavioral issues such as poor sociability or anhedonia, only 22% of males and 12% of females on the ketogenic diet did. Researchers believe the diet improved mitochondrial efficiency and hormone balance, shielding the brain from damage caused by prenatal stress. Males appeared to benefit through reduced inflammation, while females showed stronger antioxidant defenses. Although the findings need confirmation in humans, experts say this work supports the growing field of nutritional psychiatry and highlights early-life diet as a potential tool to prevent mental health disorders.

12-10-2025