NUTRITION AND ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION: A REVIEW OF KETOGENIC AND PLANT-BASED DIETARY INTERVENTIONS

Agata Ogorek; Dominika Ziolkowska; Julia Andrzejewska; Julianna Zielska; Eliza Gawron; Michał Ziemba; Paweł Liszka; Marcin Kapij; Klaudia Zackiewicz; Aleksandra Kaniak

doi:10.31435/ijitss.4(48).2025.4336

Agata Ogorek Lower Silesian Center of Oncology, Pulmonology and Hematology, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2916-5368
Dominika Ziolkowska Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Research and Development Center, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5715-9060
Julia Andrzejewska Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Research and Development Center, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9414-3664
Julianna Zielska Lower Silesian Center of Oncology, Pulmonology and Hematology, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0210-5549
Eliza Gawron Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Research and Development Center, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9256-0366
Michał Ziemba University Clinical Hospital in Białystok, Białystok, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2200-431X
Paweł Liszka Jan Mikulicz-Radecki University Clinical Hospital, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5465-3656
Marcin Kapij Faculty of Nursing, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7028-7198
Klaudia Zackiewicz University Clinical Hospital in Białystok, Białystok, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4778-7211
Aleksandra Kaniak Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Research and Development Center, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7775-7785

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.4(48).2025.4336

Keywords: Endothelium, Ketogenic Diet, Vegetarian Diet, Atherosclerosis, Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Introduction: Endothelial function is crucial for maintaining vascular homeostasis by regulating vasomotor tone, inflammation, and immune responses. Impairment of endothelial function is an early indicator of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Given the increasing prevalence of CVD, identifying modifiable risk factors, including dietary patterns, is becoming increasingly important.

Aim of the study: This review compares the effects of ketogenic and plant-based diets on endothelial function, highlighting molecular mechanisms and clinical implications.

Methodology: Literature was searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (June–September 2025) using the keywords endothelium, ketogenic diet, vegetarian diet, atherosclerosis, and oxidative stress. Studies published in English between 2010 and 2025 were analyzed.

Results: Ketogenic diets, although effective for weight loss, can lead to dehydration, micronutrient deficiencies, and increased endothelial inflammation due to low antioxidant intake. In contrast, plant-based diets are rich in fiber and antioxidants and low in trans fats, supporting endothelial integrity and reducing inflammation, though they may lack adequate EPA and DHA.

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