Ketogenic Diet Claims for Schizophrenia Draw Expert Caution

Recent statements about the ketogenic diet's potential to cure schizophrenia have prompted clarification from medical researchers and academic experts. The discussion centers on scientific studies and public remarks made by officials and psychiatrists.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said during a speech in Tennessee on February 5, 2026, that a ketogenic diet can cure schizophrenia, referencing research by a Harvard physician. Kennedy cited a 2019 case study led by Dr. Christopher Palmer, which described two patients with longstanding schizophrenia who adopted a ketogenic diet and experienced complete remission of symptoms, allowing them to stop antipsychotic medications.

Dr. Palmer clarified that the patients in his study were in remission and not cured, and he emphasized that ketogenic diets should be considered as adjunct or alternative therapies rather than replacements for standard antipsychotic treatment. He also stated that he has never claimed to cure schizophrenia and described the ketogenic diet as a metabolic intervention, not a cure.

Professors Dr. Mark Olfson and Dr. Paul S. Appelbaum from Columbia University stated that there is no credible evidence supporting the idea that ketogenic diets cure schizophrenia. They described the existing studies as very preliminary and said it is misleading to suggest a cure based on current research.

What the numbers show

• On February 5, 2026, Kennedy made his statement in Tennessee
• A 2019 case study involved two patients with schizophrenia
• A 2024 pilot study at Stanford included 21 adults with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder

A 2024 pilot study at Stanford University involved 21 adults diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The study found that using a ketogenic diet alongside neuroleptic medication was feasible and acceptable as a supplemental treatment, but it did not establish that the diet could cure schizophrenia.

Dr. Palmer noted that randomized controlled trials on ketogenic diets and schizophrenia have recently concluded, and results from these studies are expected to be published in the future. He reiterated that current evidence supports the ketogenic diet as a possible metabolic intervention, not as a replacement for standard treatments.

Research to date has focused on small case studies and pilot trials, with remission of symptoms reported in a limited number of patients. Larger, controlled studies are needed to determine the broader impact of ketogenic diets on schizophrenia.

Medical experts continue to advise that individuals with schizophrenia should not discontinue prescribed antipsychotic medications in favor of dietary changes alone. Current guidance emphasizes that any dietary interventions should be considered only as supplemental or alternative approaches within established treatment plans.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.