Is Keto aging you faster? New research finds men and women are impacted very differently

There are a plethora of benefits to the keto diet for weight loss and increased energy, but new research raises concerns. A recent study conducted on mice indicates that the diet may influence aging variably between males and females. The high-fat plan seemed to protect female mice, but it sped up the aging process in male mice.

What did the study find out about getting older?

Keto, also known as the ketogenic diet, is a popular low-carb, high-fat diet. Although extensively utilized for weight control and specific medical conditions, recent animal studies are revealing potential risks, as per a report by Medical News Today.



“The keto diet is a very low-carbohydrate, high fat way of eating that shifts the body’s primary energy source from carbohydrates to fat. Under normal conditions, carbohydrates are the body’s preferred fuel, especially for the brain,” explained Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com.

A recent study conducted on mice indicated that the ketogenic diet seemed to expedite aging in males, while having no effect on females. Scientists found that estrogen protected female mice from the effects of aging. Estradiol, estrogen, or antioxidants slowed down the fast aging process in male mice.

The study found that the diet causes too much oxidative stress, which makes cells age faster by making senescent cells. This process was especially clear in men unless they were given hormones or antioxidants to stop it.

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What role does estrogen play?

The results suggest that estrogen protects cells from stress caused by diet. Female mice on a keto diet did not exhibit the same rate of aging acceleration as their male counterparts. When male mice were given estrogen, their cells aged much more slowly, as per a report by Medical News Today.


Dr. Jason Ng, BA, from the University of Pittsburgh, said, “It would be interesting to assess the effects of diet on male and female sex hormones, such as estrogen for women and testosterone for men, and how diets may play a role in increasing or decreasing levels to a certain extent, and how that impacts the role these hormones have on their specific genders’ physiology.”


Ng, on the other hand, stressed that the results are only preliminary. He said, "We can learn about metabolic processes by studying the effects of a keto diet on mice, but we can't yet apply those results to people."

What are the keto diet's risks?

Experts in nutrition say that keto has some problems. Preventive cardiology dietitian Michelle Routhenstein said, "The keto diet is a way of eating that is very low in carbohydrates and high in fat. It changes the body's main source of energy from carbohydrates to fat."

This change makes ketones for energy, but it also cuts out important food groups. Routhenstein said that the diet limits fruits, whole grains, legumes, and some vegetables, which can leave the body without important vitamins, minerals, and fiber, as per a report by Medical News Today.

Long-term keto can also raise cholesterol levels, put stress on the kidneys and liver, increase the risk of bone loss, and even cause eating disorders. Because of the strict rules, people may also feel socially isolated.

Could antioxidants or hormones be beneficial for men?

The study suggests that treatments such as estrogen or antioxidants may mitigate the adverse effects of keto in men. Ng said, "If these results can be repeated in people, this specific effect could slow down the aging process in men, but of course, this would have to be weighed against the known side effects of estrogen therapy in men."


He also said that antioxidant therapy might help lower oxidative stress. Ng said, "Maybe not as much of an effect as estrogen," but "certainly something that needs to be looked into more, since this method could have fewer side effects."

Are the risks of keto worth it?

Experts say that keto should only be done under medical supervision, even though it may help with conditions like epilepsy. Routhenstein said, "A cyclical or more flexible low-carb plan may also work for some people if they are guided by a qualified healthcare provider."


But she still said that the risks of keto are often greater than the possible benefits. She ended by saying, "The possible risks are greater than the benefits, especially when there are more balanced, long-lasting options that have been shown to improve heart health, inflammation, and longevity."


Researchers say that more studies are needed before we can say anything about how the diet affects aging in the long term, especially when it comes to gender differences.

Important Health Disclaimer:

Before you change your eating habits, diet, or lifestyle, it is important to speak with a doctor. This information is for learning purposes only. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any alterations to your eating schedules, diet, or lifestyle.

FAQs

Is the keto diet different for men and women?
Yes. The study indicates that male mice aged more rapidly on the diet, whereas females were safeguarded by estrogen.


Can antioxidants lower the risks of keto?
Researchers discovered that antioxidants mitigated the effects of aging in male mice, although the results in humans remain unverified.