Role of the ketogenic diet in neurodevelopmental disorders: neuroprotection and clinical practice

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), occur early in life and affect cognitive and behavioral health and motor development. While hereditary factors contribute to the development of ASD, recent research has shown that environmental factors, notably nutritional factors, play important roles in determining the severity and expression of symptoms. The ketogenic diet (KD), a high-fat, low-carbohydrate dietary strategy, has well-established therapeutic significance, particularly in the management of epilepsy. Currently, the KD has recently gained popularity beyond therapeutic treatment, becoming popular as a general health and lifestyle option for healthy people. However, despite its long history, the effects of KD consumption on the development of NDDs are uncertain. This review highlights current literature on the effects of maternal KD on child brain development and NDD development, emphasizing the potential relevance of the KD in treating NDDs. We discuss the therapeutic implications of KD consumption and highlight the known effects of maternal KD on NDD development in children, potentially improving our understanding of NDD treatment. Assessments of the safety of KD and its long-term effects on the developing nervous system should be prioritized in future studies to help evaluate the feasibility, safety, and implementation of the KD in treating NDDs.