A clinical study conducted at the University of Cologne, titled Keto-ADPKD, has demonstrated promising results regarding the use of a ketogenic diet as a potential treatment for hereditary polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).
ADPKD accounts for approximately 10% of all cases of kidney failure and is the most common hereditary kidney disease worldwide.
The Keto-ADPKD study was led by Professor Dr. Roman-Ulrich Müller and his team at the University Hospital Cologne and the Aging Research Excellence Cluster CECAD of the University of Cologne.
The translational nephrology unit, under Professor Müller’s leadership at CECAD, focuses on dietary interventions aimed at extending lifespan and combating diseases.
The study investigated the feasibility and impact of ketogenic dietary interventions in individuals with polycystic kidney disease. The results of this phase II-like study were published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.
Study Findings
A total of 66 patients with ADPKD participated in the study and were divided into three groups:
- Ketogenic diet group: Participants followed a ketogenic diet for three months.
- Water fasting group: Participants engaged in three days of water fasting once a month.
- Control group: Participants followed standard dietary recommendations. The study found that 95% of patients in the ketogenic diet group and 85% in the water fasting group reported that the diets were feasible and could be incorporated into their daily lives.
Biomarkers, specifically ketone bodies measured in blood samples, confirmed that participants adhered to the prescribed diet.
The ketogenic diet, characterized by low carbohydrate intake and higher fat consumption, was implemented successfully by the participants.
The study demonstrated positive changes in key parameters, including kidney function, after just three months of dietary intervention. These changes exceeded the researchers’ expectations and were statistically significant.
The ketogenic diet showed no unexpected side effects, further supporting its feasibility and safety for individuals with ADPKD.
Conclusion and Implications
While the results of the study represent a significant step toward potentially treating polycystic kidney disease with a ketogenic diet, further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these findings.
Professor Müller emphasizes the importance of conducting larger studies at multiple sites to verify the results and determine whether sustained improvements in kidney function can be achieved in the long term without adverse effects.
The study’s design, resembling that of a drug trial, highlights the effectiveness of dietary interventions and opens the door to exploring various dietary treatment strategies for other conditions.
Overall, the Keto-ADPKD study marks an important milestone in the potential development of new treatments for polycystic kidney disease and underscores the role of diet in managing health conditions.
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The research findings can be found in Cell Reports Medicine.
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