# Why keto diets might raise small intestine cancer risk

> Ketogenic diets could increase small intestine cancer risk, new MIT study finds.
- Title: Why keto diets might raise small intestine cancer risk
- Summary: Ketogenic diets could increase small intestine cancer risk, new MIT study finds. A ketogenic diet may raise small intestine cancer risk, according to MIT…
- Keywords: mit, ketogenic diet, small intestine, cancer risk, mice study, tumor growth, technology, science, keto, diets, might, raise
- Source: MIT Technology Review — https://technologyreview.com/2026/10/20/1145279/a-reason-to-eat-carbs
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mit, ketogenic diet, small intestine, cancer risk, mice study, tumor growth, technology, science
## Ketogenic diet linked to higher small intestine cancer risk
A new MIT study found mice on ketogenic diets developed more tumors in the small intestine than control groups.

> Having more stem cells means that when you injure the small intestine, it can repair itself better, but the downside is that having more active stem cells can lead to tumor formation
## Ketone bodies not responsible for colon cancer protection
The study confirmed ketogenic diets suppress colon tumors but found ketone bodies are not involved in the protective effect against colon cancer.

> These molecules are essentially metabolic bystanders
## Metabolic pathway drives tumor growth
Tumor growth in the small intestine was driven by how intestinal cells burn dietary fat for energy through fatty acid oxidation.
## Ketone supplements likely ineffective
Commercial ketone supplements probably do little to help or harm people who take them, according to the researchers.
## Key takeaway

A ketogenic diet may raise small intestine cancer risk, according to MIT researchers who found mice on such diets developed more tumors than control groups.