In a murine model of iodine-induced autoimmune thyroiditis, a ketogenic diet is associated with reduced serum levels of MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and IFN-γ, indicating a broad anti-inflammatory effect on the systemic immune response.

When the body burns fat instead of sugar for energy, it produces a molecule called beta-hydroxybutyrate that stops damaged thyroid cells from releasing a danger signal called HMGB1. Without this signal, immune cells do not activate a protein complex called NLRP3 inflammasome, which normally triggers the production of powerful inflammatory molecules like IL-1β and IL-18. This reduction in inflammation shifts immune cells away from a destructive type called Th17 and toward a calming type called Treg, which lowers levels of other inflammatory signals like TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, and MCP-1 throughout the body.