Investigating how the ketogenic diet affects bone health across different ages
Official title: Age Differences and Mechanisms of Ketogenic Diet Induced Bone Loss
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10894807 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the ketogenic diet, which is high in fat and low in carbs, affects bone health in kids and adults, to see if it causes bone loss or makes exercise less helpful for strong bones, and it could help people understand if this diet is safe for their bones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $85,918 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AR081401-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894807 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of all ages considering or currently following a ketogenic diet, particularly those concerned about bone health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not following a ketogenic diet or those with pre-existing bone health issues unrelated to diet may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of the ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, on bone health in both children and adults. It aims to understand whether this diet leads to bone loss and if it diminishes the benefits of exercise on bone strength. Using a mouse model, the study will explore how age and the duration of the diet influence bone health, as well as the role of β-hydroxybutyrate, a key molecule in the diet's effects. The findings could provide insights into safe dietary practices for individuals considering the ketogenic diet.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary recommendations that minimize bone loss for individuals on a ketogenic diet.
How similar studies have gone: While the ketogenic diet has been studied for its neurological benefits, research specifically addressing its impact on bone health is limited, making this approach relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Osipov, Benjamin — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Osipov, Benjamin
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.