Researchers studied how a ketogenic (keto) diet affects fatty liver disease, a condition where fat builds up in the liver. They tested the diet on mice with liver problems and found that eating keto-style for just two weeks helped reduce liver fat and improved how the liver’s energy-producing structures (called mitochondria) work. The diet appeared to help the liver burn fat more efficiently and produce more energy. While these results are promising, they come from animal studies and lab tests, so more research in humans is needed before we know if these benefits apply to people.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether eating a ketogenic diet (very low carb, high fat) could help mice with fatty liver disease and how it works at the cellular level
  • Who participated: Mice that were fed a high-fat diet to create fatty liver disease, plus human liver cells grown in a lab
  • Key finding: After just 2 weeks on a keto diet, mice showed less fat in their livers, better energy production in liver cells, and improved cellular structures that were damaged from the fatty diet
  • What it means for you: A keto diet may help people with fatty liver disease, but this research was done in mice and lab cells, not humans yet. Talk to your doctor before making major diet changes, especially if you have liver problems

The Research Details

Scientists created fatty liver disease in mice by feeding them a high-fat diet, then switched some mice to a ketogenic diet for 2 weeks. They measured liver fat, checked blood markers of liver health, and examined the liver cells under powerful microscopes to see how the mitochondria (the cell’s power plants) looked and functioned. They also did experiments with human liver cells in dishes, treating them with different substances to understand the exact mechanisms at work.

Understanding how the keto diet works at the cellular level helps scientists figure out if it’s truly helpful and for whom. By studying both whole animals and individual cells, researchers can see the complete picture of what happens when someone eats this way.

This study used multiple research methods (animal studies plus lab cell studies) which strengthens the findings. However, because it was done in mice and lab cells rather than humans, the results may not directly apply to people. The study was relatively short (2 weeks), so we don’t know about long-term effects. The journal Nutrition & Diabetes is a reputable source for nutrition research.

What the Results Show

The ketogenic diet partially reduced the amount of fat stored in the livers of mice with fatty liver disease. The diet also improved how well the liver cells’ mitochondria worked—they produced more energy (ATP) and burned fat more efficiently. The researchers found that the keto diet reduced certain proteins (Fis1 and Drp1) that control how mitochondria break apart and reorganize, suggesting the diet helped restore balance to these cellular structures. In human liver cells treated with a keto diet component called beta-hydroxybutyrate, the cells showed less fat buildup and better mitochondrial function.

The keto diet improved blood markers of liver health (ALT and AST levels), which are signs that the liver is working better. The diet also turned on genes that help the body burn fatty acids more effectively. When researchers blocked the ability of mitochondria to fuse together (combine), the protective effects of the keto diet were reduced, showing that proper mitochondrial structure is important for the diet’s benefits.

Previous research has shown that ketogenic diets can help with weight loss and metabolic health, but this study provides new insight into how the diet specifically helps the liver at the cellular level. The findings support the idea that the keto diet works by improving how liver cells produce and use energy, rather than just reducing overall calories.

This research was conducted in mice and lab-grown cells, not in humans, so results may not directly translate to people. The study only lasted 2 weeks, so we don’t know if benefits continue or improve over longer periods. The sample size of mice wasn’t specified in the abstract. Different people may respond differently to the keto diet based on genetics and other factors. More human studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, a ketogenic diet may help people with fatty liver disease improve their condition. However, this is preliminary evidence from animal studies. Anyone with fatty liver disease should consult their doctor before starting a keto diet, as it’s not appropriate for everyone and may need to be monitored. Confidence level: Moderate for potential benefit, but human studies are needed.

People diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease should be interested in this research. People with diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome may also benefit from discussing this with their doctor. This research is less relevant for people with healthy livers. Anyone with liver disease, kidney disease, or taking certain medications should consult their healthcare provider before trying a keto diet.

In this mouse study, improvements appeared within 2 weeks. In humans, changes typically take longer—most people see improvements in liver health markers within 4-12 weeks of dietary changes, though individual results vary significantly.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily macronutrient ratios (percentage of calories from fat, protein, and carbs) to ensure you’re maintaining ketogenic proportions, and monitor energy levels and digestion daily
  • If considering a keto diet for liver health, use the app to log meals and track when you feel best, then share this data with your doctor at regular check-ups to assess whether the diet is working for you
  • Set monthly reminders to check in with your healthcare provider for blood work (liver function tests like ALT and AST) to objectively measure whether the diet is improving your liver health over time

This research was conducted in mice and laboratory cells, not humans. While the findings are promising, they do not yet constitute medical advice for people. Anyone with fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or other health conditions should consult with their healthcare provider before starting a ketogenic diet. A keto diet is not appropriate for everyone and may interact with medications or existing health conditions. This summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual health needs.