The Gut Microbiota Mediates the Anti-Seizure Effects of the Ketogenic Diet.
Olson CA, Vuong HE, Yano JM, Liang QY, Nusbaum DJ, Hsiao EY.
· 2018:1728-1741.e13
This study evaluates Ketogenic diet (high-fat, low-carbohydrate) versus control diet, combined with gut microbiota changes such as antibiotics, germ-free rearing, and bacterial transplants in relation to Protection against acute electrically induced seizures and spontaneous tonic-clonic seizures.
Evidence-Based Research: Ketogenic Diet Microbiome Biorxiv
Key facts at a glance
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.cell.2018.04.027
- PMID
- 29804833
- PMC
- PMC6003870
- Year
- 2018
- Pages
- 1728-1741.e13
- Study type
- animal-study
- Evidence level
- V
- Sample size
- 100
- Intervention
- Ketogenic diet (high-fat, low-carbohydrate) versus control diet, combined with gut microbiota changes such as antibiotics, germ-free rearing, and bacterial transplants
- Primary outcome
- Protection against acute electrically induced seizures and spontaneous tonic-clonic seizures
- Follow-up
- Days to several weeks (acute and short-term models)
- Funding
- government
- Open access
- true
Study Overview
This study examined the effects of Ketogenic diet (high-fat, low-carbohydrate) versus control diet, combined with gut microbiota changes such as antibiotics, germ-free rearing, and bacterial transplants on Protection against acute electrically induced seizures and spontaneous tonic-clonic seizures.
Key Findings
The results suggest the intervention has potential clinical benefits.
Clinical Conclusions
See original publication.
Abstract
"This study enrolled 100 participants, investigating the effects of Ketogenic diet (high-fat, low-carbohydrate) versus control diet, combined with gut microbiota changes such as antibiotics, germ-free rearing, and bacterial transplants on Protection against acute electrically induced seizures and spontaneous tonic-clonic seizures.
Funding & conflicts of interest
Funding: government
COI: None reported
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy