Could a keto diet boost brain zaps for depression?
NCT ID NCT07376018
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether adding a ketogenic (low-carb) diet to a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment called iTBS helps people with treatment-resistant depression feel better. Sixty adults will follow either a keto diet or a standard healthy diet for three weeks, then receive personalized brain stimulation while staying on their diet. Researchers will measure changes in depression scores, ketone levels, and brain scans to see if the combination is safe and effective.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
ketogenic diet
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new way to boost the effects of brain stimulation for people with hard-to-treat depression.
What could go wrong
This is a small early-stage trial with only 60 people. The diet is hard to follow, and the added benefit over brain stimulation alone is unproven. Side effects like low blood sugar or stomach issues are possible.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••