Role of a Ketogenic Diet on Body Composition, Physical Health, Psychosocial Well-Being and Sports Performance in Athletes: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Recently, a focus has been placed on investigating the potential benefits of adherence to a ketogenic diet in enhancing body composition, physical health, psychological well-being, and performance of athletes from various sporting disciplines. As the available research is yet to be collated and analyzed in a single review, this scoping review aims to analyze and draw conclusions from the available literature that exists on the efficacy of a ketogenic diet among athletic populations. Methods: Several primary research databases and any relevant citation lists were searched to locate appropriate studies for inclusion in this scoping review. Studies that investigated the effects of adherence to a ketogenic diet (KD), defined by a carbohydrate intake of less than 5% of total energy intake, on body composition, physical health, psychological well-being, and performance among an athletic population were included in the review. From 814 articles screened, 12 were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria and were included in the final scoping review. Results: Adherence to a KD has beneficial effects on body weight and fat mass. Varying effects were identified on physical health with the diet, eliciting positive effects on fat oxidation but potentially deleterious effects on stool microbiota and iron metabolism. Conflicting results were reported regarding the effects of a KD on sporting performance. Benefits were reported regarding athlete well-being following commencement of a KD, but only after week two. Conclusions: The results of this scoping review demonstrate that there are both beneficial and detrimental effects associated with adherence to a KD among athletic populations. It is understood that further research is required to make any concrete recommendations regarding a KD to athletes.

Efficacy of Nutritional Strategies on the Improvement of the Performance and Health of the Athlete: A Systematic Review

“…It affects physical health and has positive effects on fat oxidation but shows conflicting results regarding the effects of a KD on performance, which are mostly shown in the long term. Thus, there are both beneficial and detrimental effects after using a KD strategy in athletic populations [ 10 , 51 , 52 , 53 ]. Further research is required to establish recommended protocols regarding a KD for athletes.…”

“…Further research is required to establish recommended protocols regarding a KD for athletes. Furthermore, deleterious effects on stool microbiota and iron metabolism have been shown [ 51 ].…”

Effects of Two Months of Very Low Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, Muscle Area, and Blood Parameters in Competitive Natural Body Builders

“…While the effects of KD on fat mass are consistent in all studies evaluating body composition during KD regimens on athletes [ 13 , 20 , 40 ], the same was not confirmed for lean mass, with some authors showing a catabolic effect of KD on muscle [ 19 , 41 , 42 , 43 ], others showing no direct effects [ 13 , 44 ]. Only one study showed a higher increase in lean body mass that was measured after one week of carbohydrate recharge [ 45 ].…”

Weight Loss and Physical Performance with Ketogenic Diet: Overview

“…Since there are still many concerns about using the Ketogenic diet in athletics, certain successful research on the Ketogenic diet and performance illustrates the necessity for a complete examination of its modes of action for sporting purposes (Bowler & Polman, 2020).…”