Why athletes should avoid the keto diet

Athletes should avoid the ketogenic diet, new research suggests. 

The low-carb, high-fat eating plan makes them perform worse, a study found.

As The Daily Mail reports, just four days after eliminating carbohydrates, a sportman's running distance is reduced by 15 percent and their strength by up to seven percent, a study found.

Although it is unclear exactly why this occurs, keto diets are thought to affect people's anaerobic energy, according to the researchers.  

Study author Dr Edward Weiss, from Saint Louis University, said: 'This diet is especially hot among people who are trying to optimise their health. 

'What this study tells me is that athletes should be advised to avoid these diets.' 

The Keto diet, which is favored by the likes of Halle Berry, forces the body to burn fat, rather than carbohydrates, for energy, which effectively starves it of carbs but not calories. 

Dr Weiss said: 'You might say that this doesn't relate to me. But for someone with low fitness, they use this same metabolism to get up the stairs. 

'Everyday people use this kind of metabolism without realising it.'  

Yet, certain individuals may benefit, with Dr Weiss adding: 'Patients who have epilepsy benefit from this diet.

'For those with abnormal cell metabolism that causes seizures, causing cells to feed on ketones instead can be helpful. 

'A lot of smoke and mirrors'  

Speaking of the keto diet in general, Dr Weiss said: 'Right now in the general public, it's touted for weight loss. Some studies have shown it is effective. 

'I worry, though, that this may be a lot of smoke and mirrors. 

'A typical diet is 60 percent carbohydrate. So, if you limit carbs, you might find yourself just not eating that much. 

'If you eliminate most food options, you may just be losing weight because you are cutting calories.'

How the research was carried out 

The researchers analysed 16 adults who underwent exercise training after four days of following a keto or high-carb diet.

Cycling and high-intensity interval training was included in the exercise regimen.  

The findings were published in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness.   

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