This page also covers the modified ketogenic diets, the modified Atkins diet and low glycaemic index treatment.
The ketogenic diet can lead to better seizure control for those with some childhood-onset epilepsy syndromes, and for those who don’t respond well to anti-seizure medication.
What is the ketogenic diet?
Dietary treatments for epilepsy have been around for over a hundred years.
The principles of the ketogenic diet are:
- High fat
- Low carbohydrate
- Controlled protein
The ketogenic diet may lead to better seizure control, with fewer side effects than other treatments.
It can also improve alertness and awareness.
Who is the ketogenic diet suitable for?
Under the guidance of a hospital-based epilepsy specialist, the ketogenic diet may be suitable for people with some childhood-onset epilepsy syndromes.
These include:
Types of ketogenic diet
There are two different types of ketogenic diet:
- Classical diet
- Medium chain triglyceride (MCT) diet
The choice of diet depends on your child’s age and the food they normally eat.
Research has shown that each diet is equally effective.
How does the ketogenic diet work?
The ketogenic diet alters the body’s metabolism (how foods are converted to energy).
The diet replaces carbohydrates with fats as the body’s major energy source.
When the body doesn't have enough carbohydrates to burn for energy, it burns fat instead and makes things called ketones, which it can use for fuel.
Ketones are natural substances found in the blood and urine.
This state in the body is called ‘ketosis’.
Although we don’t know how exactly ketosis affects epilepsy, achieving and maintaining this state is important for the best possible seizure control.
You can find out more in our blog on Shannon's journey with Ketogenic Diet Therapy.
How can my child be treated with the ketogenic diet?
The ketogenic diet is individually calculated for each child and you’ll be taught how to introduce it to your child.
A consultant (specialist doctor) and a trained dietitian need to supervise the diet closely.
You, your child and your family will also need to be motivated to stick with the diet.
You’ll also need to stay in regular contact with the dietitian. The consultant will help fine-tune the diet and monitor your child's growth and general health with regular blood or urine tests.
They might also prescribe supplementary vitamins and minerals.
While you’re introducing your child to this diet, they should take their anti-seizure medication as usual.
If the diet is effective, the medication can slowly be withdrawn.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects include:
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Loss of energy
These occur more often when starting the diet and can usually be resolved by adjusting the diet.
Modified ketogenic diets
Two modified ketogenic diets are being used successfully in some children and adults with epilepsy:
- The modified Atkins diet
- The low glycaemic index treatment
They both work in a similar way but are less restrictive types of ketogenic diet therapy.
They are especially useful for children who find a stricter diet difficult, and for older children and adults.
As with all ketogenic diets, a consultant and specialist dietitian should supervise these modified diets closely.