Similarities and differences of ketogenic diet variations
Ketogenic Diet for Epileptic Seizures
- High-fat, low-carb diet.
- Helping people with epilepsy control seizures for over 100 years.
- Often used to manage drug-resistant (also called intractable or refractory) epilepsy in children and adults who do not respond to anti-seizure medications.
- Many studies have shown that patients on a ketogenic diet for epilepsy are able to achieve a significant reduction in seizures, and some have become seizure-free.
Ketogenic Diet Variations
Besides a classic ketogenic diet, other variations are available for managing epilepsy. The main difference between the different types is ratio of fat, carbohydrates and protein. However, all versions share a commonality in the restriction of carbohydrate intake, an increase of fat intake and should only be used under medical supervision.
Being prescribed a medical ketogenic diet is not the same as following a low-carb diet. While both diets limit the intake of carbohydrates, a ketogenic diet is more restrictive.
A simple low-carb diet will not be prescribed for the management of epilepsy, as the distribution between proteins and fats is often higher than what is allowed on a ketogenic diet. A keto diet focuses on a high-fat, low-carb, and moderate protein intake.
Classic Medical Ketogenic Diet
A precisely controlled diet based on a ratio of grams of fat compared to the grams of protein plus carbohydrates.
Modified Atkins Diet
A carbohydrate-restricted, fat-encouraged diet.
Other Medical Ketogenic Diet Variations
Less restrictive diets including the use of MCT oil or the glycemic index of foods.
To determine which diet is best for you or your child, speak with your ketogenic healthcare team.
