Researchers from the Biomedical Research Centre’s Preventing Multiple Morbidities Theme are looking into whether a ketogenic diet is an effective treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
A ketogenic diet consists of a high-fat and very low-carbohydrate intake. There is some previous clinical evidence that ketogenic diets may improve the symptoms of some mental illnesses.
The DIME study is the first randomised, controlled trial assessing the effects of a ketogenic diet on symptoms of depression in people with TRD.
Participants in the study were randomised into one of two groups. Both groups received a six-week programme of weekly dietitian counselling, with one group receiving 3 pre-prepared ketogenic meal kits per day and the other receiving food vouchers every 2 weeks to use towards the purchase of healthy food.
To date, 55 participants (63%) have completed their diet, and 50 participants (57%) have completed their primary outcome assessment.
For further information on the DIME study please email: jeanette.allsworth@phc.ox.ac.uk
