Course
22

Ketogenic Diets

Overview
Develop the skill to strategically implement and troubleshoot ketogenic approaches for metabolic, neurological, and body composition goals, based on biochemical individuality.
Format
Online
Units
15
Recommended for
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Insulin resistance
  • Epilepsy
  • Alzheimer’s support
  • Brain fog
Ketogenic Diets

The learning framework

1
Why ketogenic nutrition is widely misunderstood
The ketogenic diet represents one of the most researched nutritional interventions for metabolic, neurological, and inflammatory conditions, originally designed for epilepsy management, it has evolved into a therapeutic approach with applications across weight regulation, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cognitive decline, neurodegenerative disease, and chronic inflammation, yet it remains widely misunderstood and often misapplied.
2
The challenges of applying ketogenic diets safely
Most practitioners lack training to differentiate between therapeutic ketogenic protocols and popular "keto" trends, assess individual suitability based on metabolic health and goals, monitor lipid changes and cardiovascular implications, support proper nutrient density and gut health on very low-carbohydrate intake, or recognise when ketogenic approaches are contraindicated or require modification, leaving clients without guidance to implement ketogenic nutrition safely, effectively, and sustainably.
3
A functional framework for ketogenic interventions
The Ketogenic Diets module trains you to understand ketogenic physiology at a biochemical level, including ketone production, fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial adaptation, and metabolic shifts, equipping you to assess suitability, design individualised protocols, monitor biomarkers and cardiovascular risk, differentiate between clinical and modified approaches, and apply ketogenic nutrition as short- or long-term intervention for metabolic, cognitive, and therapeutic goals.

What you'll learn

By the end of this module, you will be able to:
Understand the biochemical principles of nutritional ketosis
Recognising how carbohydrate restriction shifts metabolism from glucose-dependent to fat-adapted, increasing fatty acid oxidation, hepatic ketone production, and cellular ketone utilisation for energy.
Differentiate between ketogenic dietary models
Understanding standard ketogenic diet, therapeutic ketogenic diet for epilepsy, cyclical ketogenic diet with carbohydrate refeeds, targeted ketogenic diet with peri-workout carbohydrates, and modified Atkins diet.
Assess metabolic adaptations and fat adaptation
Recognising the transition period, electrolyte shifts, temporary performance decline, and eventual adaptations including increased fat oxidation enzymes, mitochondrial biogenesis, and improved metabolic flexibility.
Evaluate metabolic outcomes and therapeutic applications
Understanding ketogenic diet effects on insulin sensitivity, blood sugar regulation, weight loss, appetite suppression via leptin and ghrelin, fatty liver resolution, neurological conditions, and inflammatory disorders.
Interpret lipid changes on ketogenic diets
Monitoring total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, ApoB, and advanced lipid markers, recognising individual variation in lipid response and when elevations require protocol modification or medical collaboration.
Understand cardiovascular considerations and contraindications
Assessing when ketogenic approaches are inappropriate for individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia, certain genetic variants, advanced kidney disease, liver disease, or pregnancy.
Assess nutrient density and micronutrient sufficiency
Ensuring adequate fiber from low-carb vegetables, electrolyte repletion during adaptation, magnesium and potassium sufficiency, and micronutrient diversity through whole-food emphasis and organ meat inclusion.
Recognise gut microbiome considerations
Understanding that very low-carbohydrate, low-fiber intake reduces microbial diversity and short-chain fatty acid production, requiring strategic fiber inclusion from non-starchy vegetables and consideration of prebiotic and probiotic support.
Build individualised ketogenic protocols with monitoring
Designing macronutrient targets based on goals and metabolic health, supporting electrolyte and nutrient needs, implementing cyclical or targeted approaches for athletes, and monitoring biomarkers including lipids, glucose, ketones, thyroid function, and inflammatory markers.

Why this matters

The ability to apply a powerful therapeutic tool
Plus icon, svg, dark
Ketogenic diets can transform metabolic health, support neurological conditions, and create breakthrough results when other approaches fail.
Confidence in monitoring and modifying protocols
Plus icon, svg, dark
You'll know how to assess lipid changes, adjust macros, support adaptation, and recognise when modifications are needed.
Better client outcomes
Plus icon, svg, dark
Properly implemented ketogenic nutrition improves insulin sensitivity, supports weight loss, enhances cognitive function, and reduces inflammation.
Professional differentiation
Plus icon, svg, dark
ketogenic expertise positions you as capable of applying advanced therapeutic nutrition with precision and safety.
Plus icon, svg, dark
Ketogenic Diet
Keto
Metabolic Health
Insulin Resistance
Type 2 Diabete
Weight Loss
Fatty Liver
Cognitive Health
Brain Health
Neurodegeneration
Your path to becoming a Certified Practitioner

How to get started

1st Step
Submit your Application
Apply online in just a few minutes. Our team will review your experience, education and goals to ensure this certification aligns with your professional path.
2nd Step
Join the IOH community
Once accepted, you’ll gain instant access to our global network of practitioners, mentors and resources that support your learning from day one.
3rd Step
Begin your first module
Start your studies inside the IOH learning portal — with guided mentorship, live calls, and access to the Oracle AI system that turns knowledge into action.

Expand your knowledge

All Courses
What does an Integrative Nutritional Therapist do?
Plus icon, svg, dark

An Integrative Nutritional Therapist utilises the latest evidence-based research to create an integrative approach to optimising each client’s health and wellbeing.

They design bio-individual nutrition plans, personalise supplementation where appropriate, and interpret functional laboratory data, including blood work, to gain deeper insights, achieve better accuracy and tailor every intervention to the individual.

How is functional medicine different from conventional medicine?
Plus icon, svg, dark

Conventional medicine often waits until a disease is clearly present before intervention begins. Treatment is focused on managing or suppressing a diagnosed condition.

Functional medicine looks upstream. It assesses the early drivers of dysfunction and works to prevent disease from developing in the first place, or restore balance in the body. It uses a whole-systems view of the body, then applies personalised, preventative nutrition and lifestyle interventions to support long-term health rather than only reacting once things have gone wrong.

What will be my scope of practice after completing this certification?
Plus icon, svg, dark

After completing the certification, you will be recognised and insured as a Integrative Nutritional Therapist inclusive of Nutritional Therapy and Functional Blood Work, with a clearly defined scope of practice.

You will be trained and insured to:

  • Design bio-individual nutrition plans
  • Recommend and prescribe over-the-counter supplementation up to safe, optimal intake thresholds
  • Utilise functional blood work from a wellness perspective to guide your reasoning and recommendations
  • Collaborate with and refer to medical professionals when red flags, pathology or out-of-scope conditions are identified

Our scope of practice has been aligned with nutritional therapy standards and externally audited, so you can work with confidence and clarity.

Is your course accredited?
Plus icon, svg, dark

Yes. Our certifications are accredited by multiple independent professional bodies, including the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT) and the Complementary Medical Association (CMA).

To receive these accreditations, our curriculum undergoes forensic external auditing to ensure every component is up to date, evidence-informed, ethically delivered and aligned with recognised Nutritional Therapy and Functional Health standards. This includes rigorous evaluation of our academic content, assessments, delivery methods and scope of practice frameworks.

This external oversight gives you confidence that the qualification you are investing in is credible, robust and widely recognised within the industry, with clear pathways for insurance, professional membership and global practice.

Will I be able to practise internationally?
Plus icon, svg, dark

Yes. Our graduates are eligible for insurance through IICT that is recognised across 36 countries, including:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden & United Kingdom.

This allows you to work with clients internationally, including in online practice, provided you respect local regulations and the scope of practice defined by your insurer and professional associations.

Need help?
Get in touch with us
Clarity, confidence, and real results start with one conversation. Let’s map your next chapter — together.