The
prevalence of neonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE),
a devastating neurological injury, is increasing; thus, effective
treatments and preventions are urgently needed. The underlying pathology
of HIE remains unclear; recent research has focused on elucidating
key features of the disease. A variety of diseases can be alleviated
by consuming a ketogenic diet (KD) despite differences in pathogenesis
and features, given the common mechanisms of KD-induced effects. Dietary
modification is the most translatable, cost-efficient, and safest
approach to treat acute or chronic neurological disorders and reduces
reliance on pharmaceutical treatments. Evidence suggests that the
KD can exert beneficial effects in animal models and in humans with
brain injuries. The efficacy of the KD in preventing neuronal damage,
motor alterations, and cognitive decline varies. Moreover, the KD
may provide an alternative source of energy, enhance mitochondrial
function, and reduce the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic
mediators. Thus, this diet has attracted interest as a potential therapy
for HIE. This review examined the role of the KD in HIE treatment
and described the mechanisms by which ketone bodies (KBs) exert effects
under pathological conditions and protect against brain damage; the
evidence supports the implementation of dietary interventions as a
therapeutic strategy for HIE. Future research should aim to elucidate
the underlying mechanisms of the KD in patients with HIE and determine
whether the effect of the KD on clinical outcomes can be reproduced
in humans.