The potential adverse effects of ketogenic diets,

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the limitations and stated challenges of the source papers, classified as general, drawn from work published between 2025 and 2026, spanning 3 journals. Those papers have been cited 13 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 3 representative gaps

• Efficacy and safety of ketogenic diet in glioblastoma: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis (2026) · Neurological Sciences · doi

  The present body of evidence is limited by small cohort numbers, lack of blinding, and variability in diet composi- tion, treatment length, and levels of diet compliance. Most trials were conducted in an observational fashion, making it difficult to establish causality and rendering these trials vulnerable to selection bias. Moreover, the long-term fea- sibility of following very low carbohydrate diets is likely to remain a challenge for patients. The availability of only limited registered dietitians competent in ketogenic treat- ment and varying levels of patient compliance have been other challenges. Additionally, there is no common set of biomarkers for the following treatment response.

  generallimitationsevidence 5/5
  Keywords: limited diet treatment levels compliance trials following present body evidence small cohort numbers lack blinding
• The impact of the ketogenic diet on the health of patients with metabolic syndrome: a scoping review (2026) · Frontiers in Nutrition · doi

  Conflict of interest Research on the effects of the ketogenic diet on metabolic syn- drome has significant limitations that make it difficult to unequivo- cally assess its effectiveness. They often include small groups of participants, which limits the ability to generalize the results to the entire population. In addition, many studies take a short time, making it difficult to assess the long-term effects and safety of such a diet. The results also vary due to differences in the composition of the ketogenic diet used in individual studies. Another important problem is the lack of standardization of methods for assessing metabolic parameters, which makes it difficult to compare results. Finally, some studies do not take into account factors such as physical activity or individual genetic predispositions, which can significantly affect the course of metabolic syndrome. The author(s) declared that this work was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

  generallimitationsevidence 5/5
  Keywords: diet metabolic difficult conflict interest effects ketogenic assess take individual drome significant limitations make unequivo
• Ketogenic Diet in Steatotic Liver Disease: A Metabolic Approach to Hepatic Health (2025) · Nutrients · cited 13× · doi

  The potential adverse effects of ketogenic diets, such as dyslipidaemia and gastrointestinal disturbances, require careful clinical monitoring. The impact of ketogenic diets on lipid metabolism is a concern, particularly the increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. The long-term effects of the ketogenic diet on bone health and nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) require further investigation.

  generalstated challengesevidence 5/5
  Keywords: potential adverse effects ketogenic diets dyslipidaemia gastrointestinal disturbances

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