Context:

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that a Harvard doctor had 'cured' schizophrenia using the ketogenic diet, prompting Dr. Christopher M. Palmer to clarify that his work does not support such claims. While Dr. Palmer acknowledges that the keto diet may lead to symptom remission in some cases, he emphasizes the need for medical supervision and cautions against stopping antipsychotic medications. The ketogenic diet remains controversial, with skepticism from many psychiatrists regarding its efficacy for serious mental health issues. Despite this, Dr. Palmer is optimistic that increased interest in dietary interventions could enhance treatment options in the future.

Dive Deeper:

• Dr. Christopher M. Palmer, a Harvard psychiatrist, criticized Kennedy's claims, asserting he never claimed to cure schizophrenia, stressing that dietary interventions might serve as a treatment but not a cure.

• Palmer's advocacy for ketogenic therapy stems from cases where patients experienced significant symptom relief, prompting ongoing research into ketogenic diets for psychiatric disorders, with about 20 trials currently active.

• A 2025 policy paper from the American Psychiatric Association highlights the lack of robust evidence supporting ketogenic diets for psychiatric symptoms, labeling their application in routine practice as controversial.

• Dr. Paul S. Appelbaum, a respected psychiatrist, warns that current evidence supporting the ketogenic diet is preliminary and calls for rigorous studies to evaluate its effects accurately.

• Palmer's work has garnered attention from patients seeking alternative treatments, with his nonprofit connections indicated by involvement from notable figures in the tech industry, who support research on diet and mental health.