The ketogenic diet is not currently recommended during pregnancy. Studies done in mice and rats have shown that ketosis could negatively affect the growth of the fetus. These rodent studies showed some neurodevelopmental delays, low birth weights, and abnormal organ development.[1][2] A study done on mice also showed that a ketogenic diet decreased the viability of the embryo after implantation, which might mean an increased risk for miscarriage.[3] In one study it was noted that there was improvement in these abnormalities if the mother was given a normal diet at a later stage in the pregnancy and during lactation.[1] All of these studies have been done in rodent populations, so they cannot be translated directly to human pregnancy. However, given the concerning findings, it is not considered safe to follow a ketogenic diet during pregnancy.
References
- ^Kosiek W, Rauk Z, Szulc P, Cichy A, Rugieł M, Chwiej J, Janeczko K, Setkowicz ZKetogenic diet impairs neurological development of neonatal rats and affects biochemical composition of maternal brains: evidence of functional recovery in pups.Brain Struct Funct.(2022 Apr)
- ^Rugiel M, Setkowicz-Janeczko Z, Kosiek W, Rauk Z, Kawon K, Chwiej JDoes Ketogenic Diet Used in Pregnancy Affect the Nervous System Development in Offspring?─FTIR Microspectroscopy Study.ACS Chem Neurosci.(2023 Aug 2)
- ^Whatley EG, Truong TT, Harvey AJ, Gardner DKAcetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate reduce mouse embryo viability via differential metabolic and epigenetic mechanisms.Reprod Biomed Online.(2023 Jan)