Assessment of dyslipidemia and oxidative stress induced by Ketogenic and Carnivore diets in male rabbits and the potential protective role of the probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri

• Shakib Hazim Al-Jaafar 1*, Feryal Farouk Alazawi2 and Yasmeen Ismail Al-Hadidy3

  Author

Many societies are witnessing a growing trend towards weight-loss diets, particularly low-carbohydrate diets. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the direct health effects of the keto and carnivore diets on several vital indicators. These indicators included body weight, lipid profile, arterial atherosclerosis index (AIP), and oxidative stress markers MDA and GSH. The effect of adding the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus gasseri on the potential disruption of these vital indicators resulting from the two diets was also assessed. It is hoped that the results of this research will contribute to providing a clear scientific perspective on evaluating the potential risks and benefits of these restrictive diets. The study results confirmed the effectiveness of both the keto and carnivore diets in managing body weight. They resulted in a significant weight loss, likely due to the accompanying state of ketosis and decreased appetite. Conversely, both diets caused a significant disruption in blood lipid levels. While they positively affected some values, they had a significant negative impact on others. The results of L. gasseri treatment were also mixed. Regarding oxidative stress, both diets led to an increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) index, but they significantly enhanced the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) level, especially with the addition of the probiotic. Therefore, while the ketogenic and carnivore diets are effective for weight management, they cause significant metabolic and oxidative disturbances. This study strongly recommends the clinical integration of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus gasseri. This could be a necessary preventative strategy to mitigate the dyslipidemia and oxidative stress resulting from such diets.

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