From the Guidelines
A Ketotarian diet is a dietary approach that combines elements of a ketogenic diet with a vegetarian lifestyle, focusing on plant-based foods and healthy fats, with the goal of inducing a metabolic state called ketosis [ 1 ].
Key Components
- The diet is characterized by a low-carbohydrate, normal protein, and high-fat intake, with less than 20-30g of carbohydrates or less than 5% of total daily energy intake from carbohydrates [ 1 ].
- The primary source of energy is fat, with the body producing ketone bodies as a byproduct of fat metabolism, which can be used as an alternative energy source [ 1 ].
- A well-planned Ketotarian diet may include foods like avocado, nuts, seeds, and plant-based oils, as well as vegetarian protein sources like tofu, tempeh, and seitan.
Considerations
- It is essential to ensure adequate nutrition, including sufficient protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals when following a Ketotarian diet.
- Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is crucial to determine the best approach for individual needs and health status, particularly for those with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications [ 1 ].
Benefits and Risks
- The Ketotarian diet may have potential benefits for weight control, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects [ 1 ].
- The diet may also have potential risks, such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, particularly if not properly planned and monitored [ 1 ].
From the Research
Definition of a Ketotarian (Ketogenic Vegetarian) Diet
- A Ketotarian diet is a variation of the ketogenic diet that focuses on vegetarian food sources, emphasizing low-carbohydrate and high-fat composition 2.
- The core principle of the ketogenic diet is the substantial decrease in carbohydrate consumption, which is subsequently substituted by ingesting nourishing fats 3.
Key Components of a Ketotarian Diet
- High-fat intake, adequate protein, and low-carbohydrate consumption, leading to nutritional ketosis 2.
- Vegetarian food sources, which may include plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and low-carbohydrate vegetables 2.
- An empiric vegetarian variant of the ketogenic diet has been proposed, taking into account regional food habits, such as an Indian variant 2.
Benefits and Considerations of a Ketotarian Diet
- Potential benefits include improved glycemic control, weight loss, and beneficial effects on certain endocrine disorders, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome 2.
- Considerations include the need for careful planning to ensure adequate nutrition, potential risks associated with low-carbohydrate diets, such as renal dysfunction and metabolic acidosis 4.
- Multivitamin supplementations are recommended when following a ketogenic diet, including a Ketotarian diet 2.