Effect of a Ketogenic Diet on Polycystic Kidney Disease

Feasibility and Efficacy of a Well-Formulated Ketogenic Diet in Delaying Progression of Polycystic Kidney Disease in Patients at Risk for Rapid Progression

Not applicable Interventional Ohio State University · NCT06325644

This study is testing if following a ketogenic diet for a year can help people with polycystic kidney disease keep their kidneys healthier and slow down the disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06325644 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of a ketogenic diet on patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) who are at high risk for progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is a prospective, single-center study involving 20 participants who will undergo MRI and various blood and urinary tests at baseline, 6 months, and 52 weeks. The ketogenic diet will be followed for a year, with monitoring of ketone and glucose levels, and the investigatory diet team will provide support throughout the intervention. The goal is to assess changes in kidney volume, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and microalbuminuria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with a diagnosis of ADPKD and specific risk factors for rapid disease progression.

Not a fit: Patients currently treated with Tolvaptan, those with diabetes, or severe kidney disease (GFR < 25 mg/dl) may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a dietary intervention that slows the progression of kidney disease in patients with ADPKD.

How similar studies have performed: While dietary interventions in kidney disease are being explored, this specific approach using a ketogenic diet in ADPKD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-65 years old
* Diagnosis of ADPKD by imaging and/or genetic testing
* GFR ≥ 25 mg/dl
* Patients at risk for rapid progression of ADPKD: Mayo Class 1C-1E along with any other high risk features including early decline in GFR, hypertension onset ≤ 35 years of age, urologic events ≤ 35 years of age, PKD 1 truncating mutation and PROPKD score of 4 or higher as determined by the treating physician
* No changes of medications within the last three months.
* Able to comply with dietary intervention
* Ability to sign informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients currently being treated with Tolvaptan
* Diagnosed with diabetes.
* Pregnancy
* Contraindications to MRI
* Ketogenic diet within the last three months
* Severe kidney disease with GFR \< 25 mg/dl
* Unable to purchase food for the diet intervention
* Gastrointestinal disorders that will interfere with diet intervention
* Chronic alcohol or drug abuse

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Polycystic Kidney Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.