Could a High-Fat diet help heal the brain after injury?

NCT ID NCT04530032

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether a ketogenic or modified Atkins diet can help people recover from moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. The diet aims to change how the brain uses energy, potentially improving function. Twenty-one participants were enrolled, and researchers measured changes in disability and brain metabolism over six months.

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 (modified Atkins diet)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a dietary approach to improve recovery after traumatic brain injury.

What could go wrong

This was a very small trial with only 21 people, so results may not apply widely. The diet can be hard to follow and may cause side effects like nutrient imbalances.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

Brain Injuries, Traumatic traumatic brain injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Loma Linda University Health

    Loma Linda, California, 92354, United States