Probiotic Protection Against Ketogenic Diet–Induced Health Alterations

Abstract

The ketogenic diet (KD) is usually used to reduce body weight; however, extended use has been related to metabolic disorders, alterations in blood parameters, and kidney dysfunction. This study examined the biological effects of a ketogenic diet and supplementation with either Lactobacillus gasseri or Bifidobacterium bifidum on protective effects in a laboratory rat model. Twenty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly separated into five groups: a control diet group, a KD group, a KD with L. gasseri , a KD with B. bifidum , or with both isolates. The experiments were completed in four weeks. The parameters that were included were growth rate, relative organ weights, hematological markers, lipid profile, and kidney function parameters. A rat on the KD regimen showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in weight gain and increases in the relative weights of the liver, kidney, and spleen; there was also a rise in hemoglobin, RBC, WBC, and platelet counts. Additionally, the lipid parameters were adversely affected, with higher triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL, while HDL concentration was lower. Furthermore, the renal function, including urea and creatinine concentrations, was also significantly raised. Probiotic supplementation, especially the mixed L. gasseri and B. bifidum treatment, considerably reduced these KD-induced changes. Probiotic-treated rats revealed blood values closer to normal, weaker weight changes, and improved renal function indices. The results conclude that oral supplementation with L. gasseri, B. bifidum, or their combination can protect against the biological disorders associated with KD and alleviate metabolic disorders.