Intestinal microbiota (IM) is a key contributor to host metabolism and physiology. Data comparing diseased and healthy subjects have reported changes in the IM profile between these health states, suggesting that certain bacterial compositions could be involved in pathogenesis. Moreover, studies indicate that modification of the intestinal microbiota through nutritional approaches—as non-pharmacological interventions (NPAs)—could actively contribute to disease recovery.
Interestingly, ketogenic diets (KD) have recently emerged as a dietary therapeutic strategy to address a wide range of diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and immune system deficiencies.
The ketogenic diet (KD) refers to any dietary approach that induces physiological ketosis. High-fat, low-carbohydrate diets, fasting periods, or caloric restriction are strategies used to increase the main ketone bodies—acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate—in the blood. Recent studies have highlighted that the intestinal microbiota can be modified by KD—referred to as the “keto-microbiota”—which may play a crucial role in patient response to KD treatment. This review describes the potential benefits of KD and the influence of gut microbiota on the host, focusing on the management of several diseases and exploring the applicability and mechanisms of KD. Current progress and limitations are also discussed.
Strengthening the keto-microbiota may represent a novel therapeutic approach, serving as a powerful contributor to restoring patient health and supporting disease recovery.
