Keto-diet based molecule may be useful in treating colorectal cancer: Study

Beta-hydroxybutyrate strongly suppresses the growth of colorectal tumours in lab experiments, according to a new study

A molecule produced in the liver in response to low-carb ketogenic diets has a powerful effect in suppressing colorectal tumor growth and may be useful as a preventive and treatment of such cancers, according to a new study from researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, US.

In the study, published in Nature, researchers initially found that mice on low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diets have a striking resistance to colorectal tumor development and growth.

The scientists then traced this effect to beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a small organic molecule produced in the liver in response to keto diets or starvation.

“Our findings suggest that this natural molecule, BHB, could someday become a standard part of colorectal cancer care and prevention,” said the researchers.

BHB is known to work as an alternative fuel source for key organs in low-carb conditions. However, the researchers showed that it is not only a fuel source but also a potent growth-slowing signal, at least for gut-lining cells.

“Clinical trials of BHB supplementation are needed before any recommendation can be made about its use in prevention or treatment,” researchers added.