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Improvement in age-related cognitive functions and life expectancy by ketogenic diets

Nature Reviews Endocrinology volume 13, pages 695–696 (2017)Cite this article

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Rodent studies have indicated that low-carbohydrate diets prevent age-related cognitive decline and extend lifespan due to increased circulating levels of ketone bodies. A possible physiological mechanism for how ketone bodies exert this effect might be by improving central nervous system insulin resistance, which makes this finding interesting with regards to the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Refers to Newman J. C. et al. Ketogenic diet reduces midlife mortality and improves memory in aging mice. Cell Metab. 26, 547–557 (2017) | Roberts, M. N. et al. A ketogenic diet extends longevity and healthspan in adult mice. Cell Metab. 26, 539–546 (2017)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutrition, Arne Astrup is at the Faculty of Science, Exercise and Sports, and Vitality — Centre for Good Older Lives, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, Frederiksberg C, DK-1958 Denmark.,

    Arne Astrup

  2. Department of Nutrition, Mads Fiil Hjorth is at the Faculty of Science, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, Frederiksberg C, DK-1958, Denmark.,

    Mads Fiil Hjorth

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  1. Arne Astrup
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  2. Mads Fiil Hjorth
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Correspondence to Arne Astrup.

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Competing interests

A.A. is currently consultant or member of advisory boards or scientific councils for Feast Kitchen A/S, Denmark; McCain Foods Limited, USA; Weight Watchers, USA; Nestlé Research Center, Switzerland; and European Milk Forum. He is co-founder and co-owner of the University of Copenhagen spin-out companies Mobile Fitness A/S, and Flaxslim ApS, Denmark, and co-inventor of University of Copenhagen patent applications regarding applications for weight regulation in humans. M.F.H. is co-inventor of University of Copenhagen patent applications regarding applications for weight regulation in humans.

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Astrup, A., Hjorth, M. Improvement in age-related cognitive functions and life expectancy by ketogenic diets. Nat Rev Endocrinol 13, 695–696 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2017.142

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