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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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
Locations
-
Loma Linda University Health
Loma Linda, California, 92354, United States
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