Can Ketogenic Therapy Help Autism and Mental Health? | Dr. Eline Dekeyster on Mechanisms & Hope

Apr 21, 2025

Eline Dekeyster, an Assistant Professor at Leiden University and Head of a vital research group, dives into the groundbreaking potential of ketogenic therapy for autism spectrum disorder and mental health. She shares her personal journey with mood disorders and how ketosis transformed her life. The discussion uncovers early evidence suggesting diet's role in alleviating autism symptoms, the metabolic mechanisms at play, and the challenges of gaining medical recognition for such treatments. Eline advocates for a collaborative, individualized care model to support neurodivergent individuals.

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ANECDOTE

Ketogenic Diet Improves Autistic Child's Symptoms

A father used ketogenic diet with his autistic son who started making eye contact and talking more.
The father's GP responded with caution, blood tests, then called social services fearing danger.

INSIGHT

Autism Brain Development Differences

Autism involves varied symptoms but notably a reversed development order of brain systems compared to neurotypical children.
The cognitive system develops fast but social-emotional systems lag, causing energy strain and struggle to adapt socially.

INSIGHT

Ketosis Revives Autism Brain Metabolism

Abnormal brain energy metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction are evident in autism spectrum disorder.
Ketosis provides an alternative fuel and can reverse mitochondrial abnormalities, showing promise for autism therapy.

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Could ketogenic therapy change the future of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) treatment?

The CDC estimates that 1 in 36 children are affected by ASD but due to the wide variety of signs and symptoms associated, it’s likely that this doesn’t account for everyone impacted. And treatment options are scarce and vary in effectiveness.

In this video, Dr. Bret Scher sits down with Dr. Eline Dekeyster, Assistant Professor at Leiden University and Head of the Lifestyle Brain Interaction research group, to explore how nutritional ketosis may support individuals with autism and other brain-based conditions.

Dr. Dekeyster brings a rare blend of personal insight and scientific expertise. She opens up about her own experience with mood disorders and how ketosis helped shift her mental energy, leading her to dedicate her research to metabolic psychiatry.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

The early but promising evidence supporting ketogenic therapy in autism spectrum disorder
The metabolic and neurological mechanisms involved
A real-life case of a child with ASD whose symptoms improved on a ketogenic diet and the troubling response from the medical system
The challenges and strategies around adherence to ketogenic interventions in neurodivergent populations
Dr. Dekeyster’s vision for a collaborative, individualized care model that includes dietary, medical, and emotional support

While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of nutritional therapies for autism spectrum disorder, ketogenic therapy may offer meaningful hope to individuals and families navigating the challenges of ASD today.

Expert Featured:

Dr. Eline Dekeyster

https://www.instagram.com/lbi.research/

CMEs Mentioned:

Managing Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hope

https://www.mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616

Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illness

https://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615

Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.

Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/

About us:Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.

Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.