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New research suggests that following the ketogenic (keto) diet, a low-carb and high-fat diet, can be detrimental to the bones.
According to a study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, regularly consuming very small amounts of carbohydrates can make bones weaker. The research involved 30 race walking athletes who were preparing for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games and the 2017 World Championships.
Findings show that bone injury was evident among participants who followed the diet for three and a half weeks, as opposed to those who ate more balanced meals. The study concluded that going keto may disrupt processes related to keeping the bones strong and maintaining the body’s calcium needs.
Keto diet has recently risen to popularity as a weight loss method, but it was originally intended for medical use. The diet aids in regulating blood sugar levels among people with diabetes. It is also used to control epilepsy in children.
People who stick to keto consume about less than 50 grams of carbohydrates each day. They also take only 90% of their daily calorie needs, and this puts their body in a state called ketosis. During ketosis, the body burns stored fats instead of carbohydrates for energy.
Although the keto diet has helped some people lose weight, specialists have raised concerns that it can lead to several health issues. Because it prohibits consuming other important types of food like fruits and vegetables, this diet can affect a person’s ability to lose weight in the long run. UChicago Medicine also warned that it may lead to issues like heart and kidney problems.