Background

The ketogenic diet is a high fat, low carbohydrate diet. The exact amounts and types of fat can vary.

In general, the diet is made up of 3 to 4 parts fat and 1 part carbohydrate and protein. There are also forms of the diet. For example, one uses medium chain triglycerides as a main source of fat. You and your child's doctor and dietitian will work to create a diet that meets your child's needs.

How it Works

Glucose is the easiest source of energy for the body. Most of the glucose comes from carbohydrates that we eat. Once the glucose is burned off, the body uses fat as a source of energy. The use of fat creates a by-product called ketones. The ketones may reduce or eliminate seizures. It is not clear why this happens.

The body will also use body fat for fuel when you fast. Fasting is not a reasonable long term option.

Degree of Difficulty

Any diet that requires limits and change is hard. The range of food in this diet is somewhat limited. Some find it easier than others to follow this plan. To get the most benefit, it is important to follow the diet as close as possible.

The switch to this diet will be monitored by a doctor. Your child will also be tested on a regular basis to look for side effects. If your child is not seeing a benefit, then the diet will be stopped. Other treatments will be tried.

Let's Eat!

Focus on what can be eaten, rather than what cannot be eaten. Keep in mind that the ketogenic diet is fat-based. So, fatty foods rule the menu. You can be as creative as you want as long as you are mindful of what your child can eat. Here is a list of possible menu items:

• Eggs
• Meats, such as bacon, steak, or hamburger
• Full-fat dairy low in carbohydrates
• Full-fat condiments, such as mayonnaise, oil, or butter
• Vegetables high in fiber
• Limited servings of fruit

Common Side Effects

• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Irritability
• Sleepiness
• Dehydration—encourage your child to drink often

Unusual, Rare, or Serious Side Effects

• Delayed growth due to nutritional deficiency
• Kidney stones
• Inflammation of the pancreas—pancreatitis

Heart Disease    TOP

A high-fat diet may increase the risk of heart disease as an adult. Although the diet leads to higher levels of fat in the blood, the diet has not been proven to be unsafe. For many, the benefit of reducing or eliminating seizures outweigh the potential of a possible harm developing later in life.