OFFICIAL STORE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
Ketogenic Diet and Epilepsy
Did you know that ketogenic diets were originally designed to treat epilepsy, over 110 years ago? Advances in research show that diets low in carbohydrates and high in fats (ketogenic diets) can reduce brain excitement, having anticonvulsant and antiepileptic effects. If someone already took two or three medications and the seizures were not controlled, the ketogenic diet is recommended to control new events. From the moment the crises begin to be controlled, the medication will be reduced.How does it work?
What will you learn from the article?
The liver converts fats into ketone bodies, which serve as an essential energy source for the brain. Ketone bodies influence the methylation, acetylation, and transcription of genes involved in nutrient metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This metabolic shift is effective in treating at least half of adults with severe epilepsy who are resistant to conventional drugs.
Impact of Ketogenic Diet on Epilepsy
A study published in 2022 demonstrated that ketogenic dietary therapy significantly reduced seizures in 7 out of 8 patients. The therapy also caused modifications in the transcription of 4630 genes and 230 miRNAs, with notable changes in genes involved in protection against epileptic crises. These genes encode for ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, and synapse structural proteins.
Implementing the Ketogenic Diet
Clinical dietitians play a crucial role in calculating the amount of fat and the proportion of each nutrient in the diet. To ensure effectiveness, the ketogenic diet must be followed for at least 3 to 4 months and continued for at least 2 to 3 years, or longer as needed.
Monitoring Side Effects
It is essential to monitor for potential side effects such as lethargy, anorexia, gastrointestinal complications, growth delay, metabolic acidosis, and dyslipidemia.
Nutrient Supplementation
Specific nutrient supplementation may be necessary. Vitamins B6 and C, along with minerals like manganese, magnesium, and zinc, in addition to inositol, have been studied as adjuvants in the treatment of seizures and epilepsy.
Modified Atkins Diet: An Alternative
Efficacy and Comparison
The Modified Atkins Diet (MAD) is a less restrictive form of the ketogenic diet and can be an alternative for both children and adults. An open-label controlled trial compared MAD to the drug levetiracetam in 101 children. After 12 weeks, both the proportion of children with over 50% seizure reduction and the change in mean seizure frequency were significantly higher in the MAD group compared to the levetiracetam group.
Side Effects
Constipation (41.1%) was the most frequent adverse effect with MAD. In contrast, the levetiracetam group reported sedation/lethargy (18%) and anxiety and irritability (14%).
Comparison with Traditional Ketogenic Diet
Despite the traditional ketogenic diet being superior to MAD for controlling epilepsy in children, a meta-analysis found no significant differences in seizure freedom between the two diets. Both diets had similar safety profiles.
Benefits Beyond Seizure Control
According to researchers at Johns Hopkins Hospital, the ketogenic diet is safe and effective, helping to improve psychomotor development, cognition, and behavior.
Bilbiography
View all
