Abstract
Background: Recently, a focus has been placed on investigating the potential benefits of adherence to a ketogenic diet in enhancing body composition, physical health, psychological well-being, and performance of athletes from various sporting disciplines. As the available research is yet to be collated and analyzed in a single review, this scoping review aims to analyze and draw conclusions from the available literature that exists on the efficacy of a ketogenic diet among athletic populations. Methods: Several primary research databases and any relevant citation lists were searched to locate appropriate studies for inclusion in this scoping review. Studies that investigated the effects of adherence to a ketogenic diet (KD), defined by a carbohydrate intake of less than 5% of total energy intake, on body composition, physical health, psychological well-being, and performance among an athletic population were included in the review. From 814 articles screened, 12 were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria and were included in the final scoping review. Results: Adherence to a KD has beneficial effects on body weight and fat mass. Varying effects were identified on physical health with the diet, eliciting positive effects on fat oxidation but potentially deleterious effects on stool microbiota and iron metabolism. Conflicting results were reported regarding the effects of a KD on sporting performance. Benefits were reported regarding athlete well-being following commencement of a KD, but only after week two. Conclusions: The results of this scoping review demonstrate that there are both beneficial and detrimental effects associated with adherence to a KD among athletic populations. It is understood that further research is required to make any concrete recommendations regarding a KD to athletes.
Highlights
Over the past 60 years, an emphasis has been placed on the consumption of adequate amounts of carbohydrate pre-exercise/training to ensure adequate muscle glycogen content
The topics that were included in the final review were body composition, physical health, sports performance, and athlete well-being
Regardless of any results that have been discussed throughout this review, it is imperative that each athlete be consulted individually prior to any dietary intervention, ensuring they are provided with adequate education on the particular dietary regime to be administered. This scoping review aimed to identify and synthesize the current literature surrounding the effects of a ketogenic diet (KD) on the body composition, physical health, psychological well-being, and sporting performance of athletes from various sporting disciplines
Summary
Over the past 60 years, an emphasis has been placed on the consumption of adequate amounts of carbohydrate pre-exercise/training to ensure adequate muscle glycogen content. Similar to a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, the KD induces an augmentation in free fatty acids circulating within the body. A focus has been placed on investigating the potential benefits of adherence to a ketogenic diet in enhancing body composition, physical health, psychological well-being, and performance of athletes from various sporting disciplines. Studies that investigated the effects of adherence to a ketogenic diet (KD), defined by a carbohydrate intake of less than 5% of total energy intake, on body composition, physical health, psychological well-being, and performance among an athletic population were included in the review. Conclusions: The results of this scoping review demonstrate that there are both beneficial and detrimental effects associated with adherence to a KD among athletic populations. It is understood that further research is required to make any concrete recommendations regarding a KD to athletes
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
