Could a High-Fat, Low-Carb diet ease schizophrenia?

NCT ID NCT05968638

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Maryland, Baltimore Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a ketogenic diet—low in carbs, high in fat—can reduce symptoms in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Fifty adults will be randomly assigned to either the ketogenic diet or a regular diet for several weeks. Researchers will measure changes in psychiatric symptoms using a standard rating scale.

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 dietary approach to help manage schizophrenia symptoms alongside standard treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 50 participants, so results may not apply widely. The diet is hard to stick to and may cause side effects like fatigue or 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.

Psychotic Disorders schizoaffective disorder schizophrenia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SCHIZO AFFECTIVE DISORDER SCHIZOPHRENIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (MPRC) Treatment Research Program (TRP)

Catonsville, Maryland, 21228, United States

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