The Keto Diet Accelerates Aging in Men: New Research Findings.

According to ТСН: According to a new study by American scientists, severe forms of the keto diet may lead to accelerated aging of cells in men. Women who followed a similar diet did not show such changes. Researchers associate this difference with how male and female bodies respond to stress due to hormonal activity.

The study, led by Professor David Geuss, focused on mice placed on a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. Within a few weeks, older cells began to appear in the hearts and kidneys of males that do not divide due to stress but remain active and inflamed.

In the blood of males, an increase in molecules related to oxidative stress was recorded—a condition that damages proteins, fats, and DNA, which can complicate organ function.

Unlike males, female mice on this diet did not experience such changes. Although they were also in a state of ketosis, their hearts and kidneys remained almost unchanged.

When researchers switched older females, who naturally have lower estrogen levels, to this diet, their results became similar to males: an increase in the number of damaged cells and oxidative stress.

To check whether estrogen actually protects tissues, some males were given this hormone, and they did not face a sharp increase in aging cells or damage. This suggests that estrogen helps the body cope more easily with the stress of the diet.

“Estrogen activates genes in cells related to antioxidant protection and longevity.”

Researchers found that when administering antioxidants like N-acetylcysteine, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin C, or drugs acting as the enzyme MnSOD, the number of aging cells significantly decreased, and inflammatory markers in the blood returned to normal.

These results suggest that the keto diet may create additional stress on the body, but certain mechanisms may reduce it.

Scientists emphasize that results in mice cannot be fully transferred to humans. They complement the data that strict keto diets may have a negative impact on health.

Earlier studies with women who adhered to a ketogenic diet noted a significant increase in “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. Possible risks to the kidneys, liver, and nutrient balance during prolonged adherence to keto diets were also noted.

In other studies, male mice that had been on keto for a long time accumulated more fat in the liver and had problems controlling blood glucose levels. Some of these changes disappeared when they were returned to a standard diet.

Scientists stress: the keto diet is not an “easy” diet, but a serious intervention in metabolism. The response to it depends on gender, hormonal background, and individual characteristics.

Despite the risks, the keto diet may be an effective medical method for people with medically resistant epilepsy. Experts advise those who use “keto” for weight loss or blood sugar control to do so under medical supervision, monitoring key blood indicators and being aware that less strict dietary changes may yield similar results with lower stress on the body.

The study highlights the importance of a careful approach to diet selection, especially considering individual body characteristics. It is still unclear how the results obtained in mice reflect the impact of the keto diet on humans; however, research already indicates possible risks, especially for men. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before starting any of these diets.