UC to Host UCLA Study on Ketogenic Diet’s Effects on Bipolar Disorder

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The University of Cincinnati is preparing to launch a groundbreaking pilot study in collaboration with UCLA Health, investigating the potential benefits of a ketogenic diet alongside standard medication for adolescents and young adults suffering from bipolar disorder. The study is set to commence in March 2025.

The pilot will recruit approximately 40 participants aged 12 to 21 who have been diagnosed with bipolar 1, bipolar 2, or unspecified bipolar disorders. Enrolled participants will adhere to a 16-week ketogenic dietary program while continuing to take their prescribed mood stabilizing medications. Notably, all food supplied for the diet will be provided at no cost to participants.

Each participant will have access to a team of registered dietitians, psychiatrists, and psychologists throughout the study. To evaluate the effectiveness of the dietary approach, independent evaluators will perform monthly psychiatric assessments, measuring variables such as depression, mania, anxiety, psychosis, psychosocial functioning, and overall quality of life. Participants will also be required to take daily blood ketone measurements to monitor metabolic changes.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to conduct a pilot study examining the feasibility and mood stabilizing effects of this innovative strategy for adolescents and young adults living with bipolar spectrum disorders,” stated Dr. Melissa DelBello, the site’s principal investigator and chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at UC’s College of Medicine.

Dr. David Miklowitz, the national principal investigator and a distinguished professor of psychiatry at UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, emphasized the importance of the study. He said, “If the pilot study shows the diet to be feasible in young people with bipolar disorder, further research would be needed to test the effects of the ketogenic therapy against a comparison treatment, such as a non-ketogenic Mediterranean diet.”

Dr. Luis Rodrigo Patino Duran from UC will co-investigate the site, while UCLA Health will be the coordinating research site, partnering with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the University of Colorado. The Baszucki Group is funding the study.

Those interested in participating or learning more about the trial can contact Cathy Bailey at 513-558-4731.