A recent study conducted by The University of Texas Health Science at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) has shed light on the potential differences in how a keto diet may affect males versus females. The study suggests that estrogen may play a role in promoting different protective mechanisms against the adverse effects of a ketogenic diet, such as the accumulation of cells expressing markers of cellular senescence.
Published in the journal Cell Reports, the study focused on male and female mice following a ketogenic diet. The results showed that male mice on the keto diet exhibited an increase in cells expressing markers of cellular senescence, while female mice did not show the same effect. Cellular senescence can contribute to age-related declines in bodily function, making this finding particularly significant.
Lead author of the study, David Gius, MD, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of understanding the sex-specific effects of a ketogenic diet. He highlighted that while keto diets have shown benefits in managing conditions like epilepsy and type 2 diabetes, the response to these diets may vary based on factors like metabolism and hormone status, particularly estrogen levels.
The study also revealed that male mice on a keto diet demonstrated an increase in oxidative stress, a known contributor to cellular senescence. However, when male mice were given estrogen or estradiol treatment, the increase in senescence markers and oxidative stress was prevented. This suggests that estrogen plays a crucial role in modulating the effects of a ketogenic diet.
Interestingly, female mice administered tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor inhibitor, displayed similar effects to male mice on the keto diet, further reinforcing the role of estrogen in the diet’s response. The researchers also noted that a high-fat diet, with more carbohydrates than a keto diet, induced cellular senescence in male mice but not in females.
The study underscores the importance of considering gender differences in response to dietary interventions like the ketogenic diet. Understanding how hormones like estrogen influence the effects of these diets can provide valuable insights for personalized nutrition recommendations. Further research in this area could lead to tailored dietary approaches that take into account individual differences based on sex and hormonal status.
In conclusion, the study by UT Health San Antonio highlights the nuanced relationship between a ketogenic diet, gender, and hormone status. By unraveling these complexities, researchers aim to optimize dietary recommendations and improve health outcomes for both men and women.
