Ketogenic

Ketogenic Diet

The Ketogenic diet is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that in medicine is used primarily to treat difficult-to-control (refractory) epilepsy in children. The diet forces the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates.

History

The ketogenic diet was first introduced by Russell Wilder in 1921, who found it to be effective in the treatment of epilepsy.

Mechanism of Action

Normally, the carbohydrates contained in food are converted into glucose, which is then transported around the body and is particularly important in fuelling brain function. However, if little carbohydrate remains in the diet, the liver converts fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies. The ketone bodies pass into the brain and replace glucose as an energy source.

Uses

The ketogenic diet is used in medicine, but also has become a popular diet for weight loss and other health benefits. It has been suggested to help with diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.

Risks and Side Effects

Potential side effects may include constipation, high cholesterol, growth slowing, acidosis, and kidney stones. The diet is not recommended for people with pancreatitis, liver failure, disorders of fat metabolism, primary carnitine deficiency, carnitine palmitoyltransferase deficiency, carnitine translocase deficiency, porphyrias, or pyruvate kinase deficiency.

See Also

• Low-carbohydrate diet
• Atkins diet
• Paleolithic diet

References

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