Exogenous ketone bodies and the ketogenic diet as a treatment option for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Background: Despite being the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, there are comparatively few treatment options available to patients presenting with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The ketogenic diet has historically shown therapeutic utility in treating refractory epilepsy, an adjacent neuropsychiatric condition, in children, adolescents and adults. The following review explores preclinical and clinical literature focusing on the therapeutic potential of the ketogenic diet and exogenous ketone body supplementation in treating common neurodevelopmental disorders.

Exploring the role of ketone bodies in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

In recent times, advances in the field of metabolomics have shed greater light on the role of metabolic disturbances in neuropsychiatric conditions. The following review explores the role of ketone bodies and ketosis in both the diagnosis and treatment of three major psychiatric disorders: major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. Distinction is made between the potential therapeutic effects of the ketogenic diet and exogenous ketone preparations, as exogenous ketones in particular offer a standardized, reproducible manner for inducing ketosis.

Symbiotic and antibiotic interactions between gut commensal microbiota and host immune system.

The human gut commensal microbiota forms a complex population of microorganisms that survive by maintaining a symbiotic relationship with the host. Amongst the metabolic benefits it brings, formation of adaptive immune system and maintenance of its homeostasis are functions that play an important role. This review discusses the integral elements of commensal microbiota that stimulate responses of different parts of the immune system and lead to health or disease.