Scientists Identify Diet That Improves Brain Blood Flow

An international team of researchers has found that a ketogenic diet can significantly enhance brain blood supply and increase levels of BDNF — a protein essential for neuronal health. This is the first clinical study to demonstrate such effects in healthy individuals without cognitive impairments. The findings were published in *The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM)*.

BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) plays a crucial role in neuron survival, learning, and memory formation. Decreased BDNF levels have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

The study involved 11 overweight adults aged between 50 and 70. Each participant followed two consecutive three-week diets: a standard diet and a ketogenic diet (comprising 75% fat, 20% protein, and 5% carbohydrates). During the ketogenic phase, participants entered a state of ketosis, in which the body uses ketone bodies as an alternative energy source. After three weeks on the keto diet, cerebral blood flow increased by an average of 22%, and BDNF levels rose by 47%.

According to the researchers, ketones not only provide the brain with energy but also activate protective mechanisms at the cellular level. Despite the small sample size, the results were consistent and confirmed using high-resolution PET imaging and blood analyses.

The scientists emphasize that the ketogenic diet could be a potential tool for maintaining brain health in older age, although larger and longer-term studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Previously, researchers also discovered why one of the most promising dementia drugs failed to deliver results.

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