Publication:

Ketogenic diet reduces oxidative stress in obese females in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background Sub-Saharan Africa is not insusceptible to the obesity epidemic, regardless of the continued problem of undernutrition. Increases in the rates of overweight and obesity are being identified in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially among women and people dwelling in urban populations. This study, therefore, is aimed at evaluating the effects of ketogenic diet on markers of oxidative stress (reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA)) in obese female subjects on eight weeks ketogenic diet.

Methods A total of forty (40) participants, 10 overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and 30 obese (≥30 kg/m2) female subjects, were recruited and investigated via informed consent and approval obtained. The sera of the participants were collected by standard, sterile with a minimal invasive procedure for reduced glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde at weeks 0, 4, and 8 of ingestion of low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD).

Results There was a statistically significant increase in mean superoxide dismutase levels of participants at the 4th and 8th week after the introduction of low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD). There were also statistically insignificant changes in catalase and malondialdehyde levels in the participants between the baseline (week 0) and 4th and 8th weeks. Mean reduced glutathione was statistically significant at week 4 when compared with the baseline.

Conclusions Ketogenic diet reduces oxidative stress as evidenced by increased reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase.