Vegetarian and ketogenic diets: Their relationship with gut microbiome and mental health, and their clinical applications

Summary

In Western societies, vegetarian and ketogenic diets are increasingly raising attention. Understanding the differential effects of these dietary approaches could provide valuable insights into their potential clinical applications and, importantly, refine their use in targeted health promotion strategies. Therefore, the present narrative review examines the vegetarian and ketogenic diets, focusing on their association with the gut microbiome, their influence on mental health, and their potential clinical applications in healthcare settings. The vegetarian diet promotes gut microbiome diversity and enhances the growth of beneficial bacteria associated with fiber fermentation, supporting intestinal health and immune function. In contrast, the ketogenic diet induces ketosis and alters the gut