The ketogenic (keto) diet has become popular in recent years among people looking to lose weight.
A new study has shown that a “keto-like” diet can cause an increase in “body” cholesterol, which can lead to the build-up of plaque in the arteries and the amount of disease problem. heart, stroke and other cardiovascular events.
Findings from the study were presented Sunday in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session Together With the World Congress of Cardiology.
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“Our study found that regular consumption of a self-reported diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat was associated with increased levels of LDL cholesterol — or the bad cholesterol – and a higher risk of heart disease,” said lead author Iulia Iatan. MD, PhD, in a science-based journal.
Iatan is attending physician-scientist at the Healthy Heart Program Prevention Clinic, St. Paul’s Hospital and University of British Columbia’s Center for Heart Lung Innovation in Vancouver, Canada.
A new study has shown that a “keto-like” diet can cause an increase in “body” cholesterol, which can lead to a greater risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular events. other. The findings from the study were revealed on Sunday. (iStock)
“To our knowledge, our study is one of the first to examine the relationship between this type of diet and cardiovascular outcomes,” he said.
What is the keto diet?
Although there are many variations, the ketogenic diet is usually very low in carbohydrates, less than 50 grams per day.
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The recommended ratio is about 75-80% healthy fats, 10-20% protein and 5-10% carbohydrates, according to Harvard’s School of Public Health.
People who ate a keto-like diet were found to have higher levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and apolipoprotein B (apoB), which is the protein that binds to LDL and can contribute to measuring the risk of heart disease. (iStock)
Normally, the body’s metabolic system will try to burn acids for energy.
With the keto diet, because the carb intake is very low, the body starts looking for fat to use for energy instead of carbs (or glucose).
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The liver then breaks down the fat and creates another fuel source called ketones, which is where the keto diet gets its name.
A ‘keto-like’ diet doubles the risk of heart events
For the new study, researchers looked at data for people who ate a low-fat, high-fat (LCHF) diet that contained 25% or less carbs and more than 45% fat. .
(This is not as low-carb as the typical keto diet, which is why it’s called “keto-like.”)
For comparison, they looked at participants who ate more usually, a balanced diet as well.
Researchers looked at data for people who ate a low-fat, high-fat (LCHF) diet that contained 25% or less carbs and more than 45% fat. (iStock)
The data was drawn from the UK Biobank database, where more than 500,000 UK people have been monitored for at least ten years.
A total of 1,525 people participated in this study; 305 ate the LCHF diet and 1,220 ate the normal diet. Participants were of similar gender, age group (average age 54 years) and body mass index level.
People who ate the LCHF diet were found to have higher levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and apolipoprotein B (apoB), a protein that is related to LDL and can help measure the risk of heart disease.
“Those on a low-fat diet more than double the risk of having major cardiovascular events.”
“After an average of 11.8 years of follow-up — and after adjusting for other risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressureobesity and smoking – people on the LCHF diet are more than twice as likely to have certain major cardiovascular events, such as blockages in the arteries should be removed with stenting procedures, heart attacks, strokes and peripheral arterial disease,” the American College of Cardiology’s press release noted.
9.8% of Those who participated in the LCHF diet had a new heart attack during the course of the study, compared to 4.3% of those on a normal diet.
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Kim Kulp, a registered dietitian at San Francisco, California, who was not involved in the study, was not surprised by the findings.
“Previous studies have shown that an increased amount of saturated fat can increase the level of LDL cholesterol, or the type of cholesterol that increases the risk of heart disease,” he told Fox News. Digital through email.
“Saturated fat is found in many popular foods such as butter, ice cream, cheese and fatty foods such as bacon and sausage. and saturated fat below of 7%.
“Saturated fat is found in high amounts in popular foods such as butter, ice cream, cheese and fatty meats such as pork and sausage,” says a nutritionist who recorded was not included in the new study. (iStock)
Iatan wrote that before anyone starts a low-carb diet, it is important to consult with a doctor.
“During the meal, it is said [patients] “Try to address other risk factors for heart disease or stroke, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, physical inactivity and smoking,” he said.
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Lindsay Allen, nutritionist and owner of Back in Balance Nutrition, LLC in Tampa Bay, Florida, was not involved in the study but said many people are going on diets. keto doesn’t balance the right fats.
Some experts believe that cycling the keto diet is better than following it long term.
“If you’re consuming 60-80% of your calories from fat, you need to make sure you’re getting plenty of monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids (ie EPA and including DHA from fish), and you shouldn’t overdo it with saturated fats like meat. cheese and pork,” Fox News Digital told Fox News Digital in an email.
“Most people unwittingly eat too much saturated fat without balancing the healthy ratio of other fats, and when they do this, they run into problems with cholesterol.”
The American Heart Association recommends limiting fat intake to no more than 35% of daily calories and saturated fat to less than 7%. (iStock)
Some experts believe that stopping the keto diet is better than following it long term.
“Eating too few carbs for too long can severely deplete the antioxidants, phytonutrients and fiber needed to balance our cholesterol levels,” says Allen.
The study has limitations
The study authors called out some limitations.
Participants accurately reported their diet through a questionnaire once in a while, which could affect accuracy.
“With just one day of food choices exposed, these subjects’ eating habits can change over time,” said San Francisco’s Kulp.
“There’s nothing bad about keto, but it’s not for everyone.”
Also, because this is an observational study, it only represents a group — not a causal one, the authors write.
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“There is nothing bad about the keto diet, as long as it is for the right person, the consumption of fats is balanced, and the food is managed to reach antioxidants and fiber,” said Allen told Fox News Digital.
“This study shows that the keto diet isn’t right for everyone, and it’s helpful to seek guidance from a professional to make sure you’re a good candidate.”
More research is needed on the relationship between keto-like diets and heart health, Iatan said.