Collection Overview
Scientific Reports has launched a Guest-Edited Collection on Ketogenic diet.
The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate dietary strategy to induce and sustain a state of ketosis, which could stimulate the primary metabolic substrate from glucose to ketone bodies. The ketogenic diet was first developed for epilepsy therapy, and has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing neuronal stability. In addition, the ketogenic diet may have potential benefits in metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
This will be a Collection of original research papers and will be open for submissions from all authors – on the condition that the manuscripts fall within the scope of the Collection and of Scientific Reports more generally. We are welcoming submissions until 18th March 2026.
Q&A with Dr. Shangyu Hong (Guest Editor)
1. Why do you feel this topic is relevant and important to the field or wider world?
The ketogenic diet has transcended its origins as a therapeutic intervention for epilepsy to become a global phenomenon with significant implications for public health, clinical practice, and basic science. Its relevance is multi-faceted:
Public Health Impact: With rising rates of metabolic disorders (obesity, type 2 diabetes), neurological conditions, and a growing public interest in nutritional strategies for health optimization, understanding the mechanisms and efficacy of ketogenic diets is more critical than ever. This collection will help separate evidence-based science from popular trends, providing crucial information for clinicians and the public.
Therapeutic Potential: Beyond epilepsy, emerging research suggests potential applications in oncology (as an adjunct therapy), neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's), and metabolic health. A consolidated resource is needed to evaluate the strength of this evidence and guide future clinical applications.
Fundamental Physiological Inquiry: The diet represents a profound metabolic intervention. Studying it advances our fundamental understanding of human physiology, including metabolic flexibility, mitochondrial function, gut-brain axis communication, and the role of ketone bodies as signaling molecules, not merely fuels.
2. Why are you excited about this Collection?
This Collection will bring together diverse perspectives to create a unified, high-quality resource that captures the current state of the science. We are particularly eager to highlight innovative research that explores the mechanisms behind the diet's effects—how it alters gene expression, remodels the gut microbiome, modulates immune function, and impacts cellular signaling pathways. This mechanistic focus is key to unlocking its full therapeutic potential.
3. What do you think the impact of this Collection could be for the field?
Synthesis of Knowledge: It will serve as a definitive reference point, synthesizing fragmented knowledge across disciplines into a coherent narrative. This will help researchers and clinicians quickly get up to speed on the latest findings.
Identification of Gaps and Future Directions: By consolidating current research, the collection will naturally highlight controversies, inconsistencies, and critical gaps in our knowledge. This will help steer the field towards the most pressing and fruitful research questions.
Informing Clinical Practice: By critically appraising the evidence, the collection will provide a strong foundation for developing future clinical guidelines and help healthcare providers make informed recommendations to their patients.
4. In your view, why should a researcher submit to this Collection in particular?
Researchers should submit their work to this Collection to ensure their findings contribute to a centralized body of knowledge that will be widely accessed and cited. Unlike publishing in a general journal where a paper might exist in isolation, here it will become part of a curated dialogue with other leading studies, amplifying its visibility and significance.
Furthermore, this Collection is specifically dedicated to a mechanistic and physiological deep dive. We are prioritizing research that doesn't just document what happens on a ketogenic diet, but how and why it happens. This focus makes it the ideal venue for work exploring molecular pathways, neurohormonal regulation, systems-level adaptations, and translational models. By contributing, researchers will be positioning their work at the very forefront of ketogenic diet research.
Why submit to a Collection?
Collections like this one help promote high-quality science. They are led by Guest Editors, who are experts in their fields, and In-House Editors and are supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores, and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest.
Who is involved?
Guest Editors:
- Shangyu Hong, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Antonio Paoli, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Adrian Soto-Mota, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico City, Mexico
Internal Team:
- In-House Editor: Jessica Luo, Scientific Reports, China
- Commissioning Editor: Emily Sharpe, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK
- Managing Editor: Amy Irving, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK
How can I submit my paper?
Visit the Collection Page to find out more about this Collection and how to submit your article.