The Effect of a Ketogenic Diet on the Exercise Induced Immune Response

A cross-over intervention study, with a total duration of 6 weeks. An athlete follows a high, or low carbohydrate (ketogenic) diet. After 2 days a test day takes place where the athlete performs an exercise test and blood samples are taken at different time points. After that, the athlete continues following the diet for another 12 days, after which he comes back again for another identical test day. Then a 2 weeks wash-out period. After that, the athlete follows the same protocol but then with either the low (ketogenic), or high carbohydrate diet.

Inclusion criteria

• Male
• Age: 18 - 45 y
• BMI: 18.5 - 25 kg/m2
• Hb ≥ 8.5 mmol/L, determined with blood sample from finger tip
• Minimal of 3 hours of training per week, and a maximum of 10 hours
• DKTP (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and polio) vaccinated (for stimulation of isolated cells (PBMC's) with tetanus toxoid)
• No asthma medication and/or anti-inflammatory medication
• No use of immunosuppressive medication
• No flu and/or travel vaccinations in the 4 months before and during the study
• Able to be present and participate at all test days
• Willing and able to follow prescribed 2 times a diet for 2 weeks in a row

Exclusion criteria

• Chronic illness
• Food allergies (e.g. nuts, gluten, avocado)
• Vegetarian diet
• Blood donations during study or in the 2 months prior to the study
• Use of immunosuppressive medication
• Flu and/or travel vaccination 4 months before and during the study
• Hb < 8.5 mmol/L
• Working at "Human Nutrition" - Wageningen University