Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is an eating plan often followed by people with epilepsy, but it is usually recommended for children, not adults. This low-carbohydrate, high fat diet has been found to help control seizures, but is a prescription diet that must be monitored by a dietician. It is similar to the popular Atkins diet, but has many more restrictions regarding caloric, protein and fluid intake.

How It Works

When the body uses fat as a fuel source it produces ketones. The body normally uses carbohydrates for energy, but when the body is provided little carbohydrates, it utilizes fat to create energy. This raises the body's ketone level. Higher ketone levels typically result in a reduction of seizures.

More than half the children placed on this restrictive eating plan show improvement with half the seizures they experienced before they started the ketogenic diet. 10-15 percent of children who are prescribed this diet actually become seizure free.

The ketogenic diet is typically started in the hospital where the child follows the Hopkins protocol. When following this protocol the child fasts for 24 hours, consuming only water. Then food is slowly introduced and the fat to carbohydrate ratio is increased. This time in the hospital allows for careful patient monitoring and teaches families how to follow the diet.

The ketogenic diet must be strictly adhered to and monitored closely by a dietitian. If the ketogenic eating plan varies for even one meal, it can lose its effectiveness. This can be quite difficult with small children, so parents must be vigilant and steadfast.

People Who Can Benefit from the Ketogenic Diet

This diet can be part of a medical treatment plan as long as the patient does not present any mitochondrial or metabolical issues that could be complicated by following the ketogenic diet.

Children with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome are frequently placed on this diet as an added seizure reduction measure. Children with this severe seizure disorder often are less responsive to medications and this diet augments reduction of symptoms when used along with medications.

Studies have shown the ketogenic diet to be of particular help to children who have the following conditions:

• Rett Syndrome
• Dravet Syndrome
• Doose Syndrome
• Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
• GLUT-1 Deficiency

A Dietician and a Calculator are Necessary

Typically, the ketogenic diet guideline is 3-4 grams of fat to every gram of carbohydrate and protein. The normal recommended calorie intake is 75-100 calories for every 2.2 pounds of body weight, making sure to include 1 gram of protein per 2.2 pounds of body weight as a part of the caloric intake.

Meals have to be prepared carefully, and a parent must be vigilant that no other carbohydrates get eaten. Though this is a strict diet that must be carefully monitored, it does not take long for a family to become familiar with its fat to carb ratio.

Side Effects

Lethargy is common when this diet if first implemented. The body will not get the required amount of vitamins and minerals when following this eating plan, and supplements will be necessary.

Following the ketogenic diet for a prolonged period of time can increase the odds of experiencing some of these complications:

• High blood cholesterol
• Brittle bones
• Kidney stones
• Slow growth
• Difficulty with weight gain
• Constipation

Making sure to take supplements, especially Vitamin D, iron, and folic acid will help reduce the effects of this eating plan. Taking in plenty of fluids will also help with digestion and aid in cell regeneration. Continue taking all prescribed medications when following this diet.