Keto Diet Myths: Exclusive Truth About Schizophrenia Cure Claims
RFK Jr. Claims Keto Diet Can ‘Cure’ Schizophrenia: What the Experts Say
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), recently made headlines by claiming that the ketogenic (keto) diet can “cure” schizophrenia. This provocative statement, made during a speech at the Tennessee State Capitol on February 5, 2026, sparked immediate responses from the medical and scientific communities who say there is no credible evidence to support such claims. Understanding the background and evaluating the current scientific consensus is essential for anyone interested in mental health and nutrition.
The Controversial Claim: Keto Diet as a Schizophrenia Cure
The keto diet, characterized by low carbohydrates, moderate protein, and high fat intake, has gained popularity for weight loss and as a medical intervention for conditions like epilepsy and Type 2 diabetes. However, RFK Jr.’s assertion was that this diet could do much more—specifically, that it can cure schizophrenia.
Kennedy referenced research reportedly done by Harvard professor Dr. Christopher Palmer, citing a 2019 study in which two women experienced remission of schizophrenia symptoms after adopting a ketogenic diet. This evidence was presented by Kennedy as proof that dietary interventions could not only manage but eliminate severe mental disorders.
Experts Respond: There Is ‘No Credible Evidence’
Despite Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confidence, mental health experts quickly clarified that there is currently no scientific basis for claiming the keto diet cures schizophrenia. Dr. Mark Olfson, a Columbia University psychiatry professor, told The New York Times, “There is currently no credible evidence that ketogenic diets cure schizophrenia.”
Similarly, Dr. Paul S. Appelbaum, professor of psychiatry at Columbia University and past president of the American Psychiatric Association, classified existing keto and schizophrenia studies as “very preliminary.” He further stated that it is “simply misleading to suggest that we know ketogenic diets can improve schizophrenia symptoms, much less that they can ‘cure’ the condition.”
The Nuance Behind the Research
The original 2019 study referenced by Kennedy involved only two patients and indicated remission, not a definitive cure. Dr. Palmer himself clarified in an article for Psychology Today that the diet’s impact was promising but far from conclusive, emphasizing that “more research is needed.” In a recent report, Palmer described the ketogenic diet as “an adjunct or alternative therapy in schizophrenia,” not a replacement for conventional treatments.
Supporting this perspective, a study published in April 2026 found that the keto diet could be “a feasible and acceptable supplemental treatment to neuroleptic medication,” which are antipsychotic drugs widely used to manage schizophrenia symptoms. The research highlighted potential benefits when the keto diet is used alongside, rather than instead of, traditional medical therapies.
Diet and Mental Health: A Complex Connection
Kennedy also suggested that the American diet, generally high in processed foods and sugars, contributes to the rising incidence of mental illnesses, including schizophrenia. While it is true that nutrition plays a significant role in overall health and brain function, the link between diet and complex psychiatric disorders remains an area of active investigation.
Current scientific understanding emphasizes that schizophrenia is a multifactorial illness, influenced by genetics, brain chemistry, environmental factors, and more. Diet may influence brain health and mental well-being, but it is not recognized as a standalone treatment or cure for schizophrenia.
Why Claims Like This Matter
Statements like those made by RFK Jr. have real-world consequences. People living with schizophrenia or their families may be tempted to abandon proven medications in favor of diet-based treatments unsupported by solid research. Schizophrenia is a serious condition requiring careful medical management, and misleading information can lead to harmful delays in appropriate care.
Moreover, sensational claims undermine public trust in health authorities and complicate efforts to educate about evidence-based approaches.
Conclusion: What Should You Take Away?
While diet undeniably affects mental and physical health, the claim that a ketogenic diet can cure schizophrenia is not supported by credible scientific evidence at this time. Experts advocate for viewing nutrition as one component of a broader, multidisciplinary approach to managing schizophrenia — one that heavily relies on medication, therapy, and ongoing research.
For those interested in dietary approaches to mental health, consulting healthcare professionals and relying on well-established medical advice remains crucial. As the study of nutrition and psychiatry evolves, future research may uncover new ways food influences brain health, but until then, caution and critical thinking should guide any treatment decisions involving serious mental illnesses.
Stay informed: For the latest updates on mental health and nutrition research, follow trusted medical sources and consult qualified healthcare providers.