Is the Keto Diet Helpful for Breast Cancer? Here's What the Science Says
The ketogenic (keto) diet has gained popularity for its role in weight loss and managing chronic conditions—but can it play a role in supporting breast cancer treatment?
The keto diet is high in fats, moderate in proteins, and very low in carbohydrates. The goal is to push your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat instead of sugar (glucose) for energy. Since cancer cells—including breast cancer cells—are highly active and tend to consume more sugar than healthy cells, some believe that limiting sugar could “starve” the cancer.
What the Research Says
So far, the strongest evidence for keto’s potential comes from animal studies. In lab settings, the diet has shown promise in slowing tumor growth for certain cancers, like pancreatic and brain cancer.
For breast cancer, there’s only one human study so far. It included 80 women with advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Those who followed the keto diet while undergoing standard treatment saw a greater reduction in tumor size compared to those who did not. While encouraging, it’s not enough to draw firm conclusions.
Important Warnings
Keto is not a cure. It has not been shown to replace chemotherapy, radiation, or other evidence-based treatments. Going keto without medical guidance—especially if you have kidney issues, poor appetite, or other conditions—can be risky.
Bottom Line for Patients and Caregivers
Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before making major dietary changes. The keto diet may help some patients feel more empowered or better support treatment, but it should only be used as an adjunct, not a replacement for standard care.
If you’re interested, ask your care team whether clinical trials are available. Participating in research is one of the best ways to help advance knowledge—and maybe help others in the future.
A long-time practicing oncologist and professor at the University of Michigan, Jennifer has received several awards for her medical excellence and published over 150 original research articles as well as numerous editorials and book chapters. She is also a speaker and advocate, committed to improving the quality of medical care and reducing the barriers to equity among the disenfranchised.
For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your health care provider.
This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
