RFK Jr. says keto diet can ‘cure’ schizophrenia. What experts say.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Has recently faced scrutiny following statements suggesting dietary changes could “cure” mental illness. These remarks, made during a “Take Back Your Health” tour stop at the Tennessee State Capitol on February 4, centered on the new food pyramid released by the Department of Health and Human Services in January. Kennedy attributes the prevalence of mental illness in America to the quality of food consumed.
A New Dietary Approach
The updated dietary guidelines, similar to Kennedy’s own “carnivore” diet, emphasize increased consumption of red meats, fats, and dairy. He specifically claimed the keto diet has “cured schizophrenia” and enabled individuals to “lose their bipolar diagnosis,” repeating these assertions in a subsequent appearance on the Theo Von podcast.
Expert Response and Emerging Evidence
While acknowledging some promise in early studies, health experts caution that Kennedy’s statements don’t fully align with current evidence. Dr. Alison Steiber, Chief Mission, Impact and Strategy Officer for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, explained that small trials have shown keto diets can reduce psychiatric symptoms, but clarified that this does not equate to a cure. She suggested the diet “may be a promising therapy which could be used to help manage symptoms in people living with schizophrenia.”
Kennedy has previously drawn criticism from medical institutions like the American Academy of Pediatrics for statements regarding vaccines, measles, autism, fluoride, and nutrition. Despite this, his focus on food quality and chronic illness has garnered praise from supporters of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
Understanding the Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet, or keto, typically involves a macronutrient ratio of approximately 60-70% fat, 20-30% protein, and 10% carbohydrates. The goal is to induce ketosis, a metabolic state where the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose. Traditionally, this diet has been administered under strict medical supervision, resembling a medication regimen rather than a lifestyle change.
How Might Keto Impact Mental Health?
Researchers theorize that changes occurring during ketosis, such as reduced inflammation, could influence brain conditions. Ketones may serve as an alternative energy source for the brain, potentially reducing inflammation and improving mitochondrial function, thereby alleviating symptoms. However, chronic illnesses like schizophrenia are not currently considered curable, regardless of treatment method.
Kennedy referenced research by Dr. Christopher Palmer at Harvard Medical School, though he mistakenly referred to him as “Dr. Pollan.” Dr. Palmer has co-authored research suggesting a keto diet may reduce symptoms in some schizophrenia patients, but emphasizes that Here’s distinct from a cure. A 2024 Stanford Medicine study involving 21 patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder showed 79% experienced “clinically meaningful improvement” while adhering to the diet, though the study was small and lacked a control group.
Future Research and Cautions
Studies have also indicated potential benefits of the keto diet for depression, Alzheimer’s, and autism. Approximately 20 clinical trials investigating keto and mental illness are currently underway, suggesting a growing interest in this area of research. However, experts like Dr. Palmer and Dr. Steiber strongly advise against self-treating mental illness with the keto diet without medical supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary claim Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Made regarding diet and mental illness?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Stated that a diet change, specifically the keto diet, can “cure” mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
What is the ketogenic diet?
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet designed to induce ketosis, a metabolic state where the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose.
What is the current consensus among health experts regarding Kennedy’s claims?
Health experts acknowledge that early studies show some promise for keto diets in managing symptoms of certain mental illnesses, but they emphasize that the term “cure” is not supported by current scientific evidence.
What role might further research play in understanding the connection between diet and mental health?