Using a ketogenic diet to help recovery after spinal cord injuries
Evaluation of a Ketogenic Diet for Improvement of Neurological Recovery in Individuals with Acute Spinal Cord Injury
This study is looking at how a high-fat, low-carb ketogenic diet might help people recover better after a spinal cord injury by reducing inflammation and protecting nerve cells, and it’s for anyone who has recently experienced this type of injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10754456 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of a ketogenic diet, which is high in fats and low in carbohydrates, on neurological recovery in individuals who have suffered acute spinal cord injuries. The study aims to understand how this diet can provide neuroprotective benefits by reducing inflammation and cell death in the spinal cord. Participants will follow the ketogenic diet for five weeks, and their motor functions will be assessed to determine any improvements compared to those on a standard hospital diet. The research builds on previous findings that suggest dietary changes can enhance recovery outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently experienced an acute spinal cord injury and are willing to follow a ketogenic diet.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic spinal cord injuries or those who cannot adhere to dietary changes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary interventions that significantly improve recovery and quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with dietary interventions in animal models, but this approach in humans is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yarar-Fisher, Ceren — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Yarar-Fisher, Ceren
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 below.