Hormonal
Ketogenic diets increase LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, which may accelerate atherosclerosis and increase cardiovascular disease risk, despite improving triglycerides and HDL.
Monitor your LDL cholesterol closely when starting a ketogenic diet. While your triglycerides may drop and HDL rise, your LDL may increase significantly. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease or high baseline LDL, consult your provider, as this increase may pose a risk. Consider shifting fat sources to plant-based options (nuts, vegetables) to potentially mitigate LDL elevation.
Also, participants following a very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (VLCKD) had a significantly greater increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels when compared to participants following a low-fat diet (LFD)... This increase in LDL-C may subsequently lead to the development of accelerated atherosclerosis and increases the risks associated with CVD.
Why this rating
Supported by multiple meta-analyses cited in the review showing consistent LDL increases.
Source
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Ketogenic Diet: A Review Article
Jennifer T Batch et al. · Cureus · 2020
DOI 10.7759/cureus.9639
More from this paper
- Ketogenic diets significantly improve glycemic control and reduce insulin requirements in patients with Type 2 Diabetes, allowing for medication discontinuation or reduction in a subset of patients.Good
- Adherence to a ketogenic diet for 6-12 months produces transient improvements in weight loss, blood pressure, triglycerides, and HbA1c, but these benefits typically diminish and lose statistical significance after 12 months.Moderate
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