Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
A newly published study called NATURE-CT is generating significant attention in the cardiovascular and ketogenic communities, but some of the conclusions being drawn online don't hold up to scientific scrutiny. Dr. Bret Scher walks through what the study actually shows, what it doesn't, and why comparisons being made to ketogenic therapy are scientifically misleading.
In this discussion, you'll learn:
- What the NATURE-CT study examined and what its findings mean for coronary plaque progression
- Why the average LDL of 111 mg/dL still showed substantial plaque progression
- What this data may suggest about looking beyond LDL as the sole driver of coronary disease
- Why comparisons being made between NATURE-CT and KETO-CTA are scientifically flawed
- Why the original KETO-CTA manuscript was retracted and what that means for current claims
- How baseline coronary artery calcium scores influence valid scientific comparisons
- Why findings in lean mass hyper-responders cannot be extrapolated to all forms of ketogenic therapy
- How metabolic health, not just LDL, may be a critical factor in understanding cardiovascular risk
This conversation underscores the importance of evaluating studies on their actual design and findings, rather than the conclusions being layered on top of them. For clinicians, researchers, and anyone navigating the cardiovascular and ketogenic conversation, the precision of the science matters.
🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.
#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #CardiovascularHealth
*Expert Featured:*
- Dr. Bret Scher
- Baszucki Group Medical Director
- https://x.com/bschermd
*Resources Mentioned*
NATURal history of coronary PlaquE on cardiac computed tomography in individuals without MACE or lipid-lowering therapy: NATURE-CTstudy
- journalofcardiovascularct.com/article/S1934-5925(26)00097-3/fulltext00097-3/fulltext
*Free CME Clinician Trainings:*
Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.
Our courses have been made *FREE* by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:
metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt
Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.
Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at metabolicmind.org
*About us:*
Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.
Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
*Timestamps:*
0:00 - NATURE-CT Study & Coronary Plaque Progression Overview
0:48 - Study Design: 205 Adults, Low-Risk, No Lipid-Lowering Therapy
1:14 - Key Findings: Plaque Volume Doubled Over 5 Years
1:58 - Hidden Metabolic Health Concerns in "Healthy" Participants
2:32 - LDL of 111 & Why Plaque Still Progressed
3:35 - KETO-CTA Retraction & Why the Comparison Fails
3:56 - Pre-Print Data, QAngio & HeartFlow Methodology
4:59 - Lean Mass Hyper-Responders vs. Broader Keto Population
6:16 - Keto for Diabetes Reversal & Cardiometabolic Health
6:40 - Bottom Line: What NATURE-CT Says & Doesn't Say About Keto
A newly published study called NATURE-CT is generating significant attention in the cardiovascular and ketogenic communities, but some of the conclusions being drawn online don't hold up to scientific scrutiny. Dr. Bret Scher walks through what the study actually shows, what it doesn't, and why comparisons being made to ketogenic therapy are scientifically misleading.
In this discussion, you'll learn:
- What the NATURE-CT study examined and what its findings mean for coronary plaque progression
- Why the average LDL of 111 mg/dL still showed substantial plaque progression
- What this data may suggest about looking beyond LDL as the sole driver of coronary disease
- Why comparisons being made between NATURE-CT and KETO-CTA are scientifically flawed
- Why the original KETO-CTA manuscript was retracted and what that means for current claims
- How baseline coronary artery calcium scores influence valid scientific comparisons
- Why findings in lean mass hyper-responders cannot be extrapolated to all forms of ketogenic therapy
- How metabolic health, not just LDL, may be a critical factor in understanding cardiovascular risk
This conversation underscores the importance of evaluating studies on their actual design and findings, rather than the conclusions being layered on top of them. For clinicians, researchers, and anyone navigating the cardiovascular and ketogenic conversation, the precision of the science matters.
🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.
#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #CardiovascularHealth
*Expert Featured:*
- Dr. Bret Scher
- Baszucki Group Medical Director
- https://x.com/bschermd
*Resources Mentioned*
NATURal history of coronary PlaquE on cardiac computed tomography in individuals without MACE or lipid-lowering therapy: NATURE-CTstudy
- journalofcardiovascularct.com/article/S1934-5925(26)00097-3/fulltext00097-3/fulltext
*Free CME Clinician Trainings:*
Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.
Our courses have been made *FREE* by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:
metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt
Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.
Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at metabolicmind.org
*About us:*
Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.
Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
*Timestamps:*
0:00 - NATURE-CT Study & Coronary Plaque Progression Overview
0:48 - Study Design: 205 Adults, Low-Risk, No Lipid-Lowering Therapy
1:14 - Key Findings: Plaque Volume Doubled Over 5 Years
1:58 - Hidden Metabolic Health Concerns in "Healthy" Participants
2:32 - LDL of 111 & Why Plaque Still Progressed
3:35 - KETO-CTA Retraction & Why the Comparison Fails
3:56 - Pre-Print Data, QAngio & HeartFlow Methodology
4:59 - Lean Mass Hyper-Responders vs. Broader Keto Population
6:16 - Keto for Diabetes Reversal & Cardiometabolic Health
6:40 - Bottom Line: What NATURE-CT Says & Doesn't Say About Keto
