Abstract

VASCONCELOS, Carla. Ketogenic Diet - Nutritional Approach. Nutrícias [online]. 2014, n.22, pp.16-19. ISSN 2182-7230.

The ketogenic diet is a nonpharmacologic treatment for intractable epilepsy, proposed by Wilder in 1921. It is a diet based on high fat and low carbohydrate, which mimic the metabolism of fasting. The mechanism of action of the ketogenic diet has not been fully elucidated. However, the antiepileptic effects are evident. About one third to half of the patients treated with the ketogenic diet appeared to have had a marked reduction or cessation of their epileptic crisis. Currently, the ketogenic diet is indicated for the treatment of several epilepsy syndromes and other childhood disorders. This diet is an appropriate first line therapy for patients with glucose transporter deficiency syndrome type 1 and pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency. There are adverse effects present in this treatment, as well as in others. Dehydration, hypoglycemia, constipation, refusal to eat, kidney stones, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, growth retardation are some of the side effects reported. Nevertheless, the interruption of the treatment is not necessary in most of the cases. There are new alternatives to the classic ketogenic diet that are less restrictive and easier to implement and maintain. Some of the examples of these alternatives are the medium-chain triglyceride ketogenic therapy, the modified Atkins diet and the low glycemic index treatment. Although there are some gaps on its form of actuation, in some cases this treatment can be efficient and must be considered as an hypothesis in the treatment of intractable childhood epilepsy, as well as in other disorders.

Keywords : Ketone bodies; Ketogenic diet; Epilepsy.

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