Practical Guide and Dietary Management of Children with Seizures Using the Ketogenic Diet

Abstract

The ketogenic diet is a valuable adjunct to medications in the control of specific seizures. Thes diets have anticonvulsant value but must be strictly adhered to for a long period of time. For this reason patients and parents should be screened carefully by the physician before the diet is considered as a form of treatment. A period of fasting precedes the diet and produces ketonuria. Fluid intake is restricted only during the fasting period. The ketogenic-antiketogenic ratio of the diet which provides adequate formation of ketones is usually 4:1. Supplements of multivitamins, calcium and iron are required to meet nutritional requirements. Methods of calculating, physician’s and dietitian’s guide for planning and teaching ketogenic diets, general instructions for parents, list of foods allowed and recipe suggestions are included.