Keto diet may lead to flu-like symptoms initially: Study

A ketogenic diet may cause several flu-like symptoms within the first few weeks on the diet with very low-carbohydrate and high-fat content, according to a new study.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, found that these symptoms peak in the first seven days and dwindle after four weeks and range in severity, as reported by users on social media.

These reports reveal common but yet unknown symptoms, such as flu fatigue, nausea, dizziness, decreased energy, feeling faint and heartbeat alterations, the researchers said.

"The experiences of symptoms by many people strengthens the evidence for side-effects following the initiation of a ketogenic diet," said Emmanuelle Bostock from the University of Tasmania in Australia.

"These consumers have the most immediate experience of effects and side-effects and many choose to report and share these in online forums," Bostock said.

The effectiveness of the keto diet has only been established for intractable epilepsy, the researchers said