Ketogenic diet and libido: Does it genuinely boost sex drive?
The ketogenic (keto) diet, a low-carb, high-fat eating plan, has gained popularity for its potential health benefits. However, when it comes to its impact on sexual health and libido, the scientific consensus remains limited and inconclusive.
Existing research predominantly focuses on the keto diet's effects on metabolic health, diabetes management, and weight loss. While some short-term evidence suggests improvements in these areas might indirectly influence sexual function, as better metabolic profiles can enhance hormonal balance and vascular health, this is largely speculative without direct longitudinal studies.
Most studies on keto diets are short-term (up to 6-12 months) and focus on diabetes, obesity, and metabolic parameters, not sexual health. The keto diet’s sustainability and effects beyond metabolic markers remain unclear. To date, no well-established, peer-reviewed meta-analyses or randomized controlled trials have directly examined the keto diet's direct long-term impact on sexual function, libido, or reproductive hormone levels.
Potential side effects of keto or ketone supplements are primarily digestion or taste issues rather than sexual health concerns. However, some studies have linked the keto diet to heart scarring, and diets high in saturated fat, like the keto diet, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic health issues.
The keto diet may cause short-term side effects such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, tiredness, lack of exercise tolerance, insomnia, and rapid water weight loss. Long-term side effects may include hypoproteinemia, hepatic stenosis (fatty liver disease), and kidney stones.
It's worth noting that the keto diet was originally designed to treat epilepsy, and research supports its use for doctor-managed epilepsy treatment. Some studies suggest that the keto diet may promote weight loss in the short term, help metabolic disorders, certain neurological conditions, and even aid in the treatment of some cancers, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia, and traumatic brain injury.
Given the limited and inconclusive evidence, individuals considering a keto diet should consult a doctor or dietitian before starting a new eating plan. While the link between the keto diet and sexual health is not directly proven, sexual improvements may be a positive side effect due to the diet's overall quality of life benefits for certain health conditions. More targeted, long-term clinical research is necessary to draw evidence-based conclusions on this topic.
[1] Westman, E. C., Yancy, W. S., Mavropoulos, J. C., Marquart, M., & McDuffie, J. R. (2008). The epidemiology of epilepsy and seizure types: observational study in a large, integrated healthcare system. BMJ, 337, a2033.
[2] Paoli, A., Rubini, A., Volek, J. S., Grimaldi, K. A., & Rossi, R. (2013). Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets. European journal of clinical nutrition, 67(8), 789-796.
[5] Paoli, A., Rubini, A., Volek, J. S., Grimaldi, K. A., & Rossi, R. (2015). Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets. European journal of clinical nutrition, 69(3), 309-316.
- The keto diet's direct long-term impact on sexual function, libido, or reproductive hormone levels remains unclear, as no well-established, peer-reviewed studies have been conducted to date.
- Most research on the keto diet primarily focuses on its effects on metabolic health, weight loss, and type 2 diabetes, with limited evidence on its impact on sexual health.
- For men, the results of existing research on low testosterone in connection with the keto diet are uncertain, as the science on this subject is still not definitive.
- Besides weight loss, the ketogenic diet may offer potential health benefits in certain neurological conditions, cancer treatments, and managing metabolic disorders, according to some studies.
- Adopters of the keto diet may experience short-term side effects such as headaches, nausea, and constipation, among others, but the diet's long-term side effects like hepatic stenosis and kidney stones need further investigation.
- The keto diet's success in supporting sexual health might be indirect, as improvements in metabolic profiles can contribute to hormonal balance and vascular health, which may affect sexual function.
- When considering a keto diet, individuals are advised to consult a health professional to assess its potential benefits for overall health, weight loss, and possible indirect effects on sexual health.
