Pediatria pre prax 4/2022

Ketogenic diet in epileptology

Starvation and other dietary restrictions have been known in the treatment of epilepsy since Hippocrates. Gradually, the principle of starvation and its metabolic processes transformed into a ketogenic diet (KD). The effect of high fat load, adequate protein intake and significant carbohydrate restriction are the main principles of the ketogenic diet, which results in the formation of ketone bodies, thus mimicking the fasting process. At this time is known a number of other types of diets, used not only in epileptology, in order to maintain the variety, palatability, reduction of side effects and thus the attractiveness and compliance that is most needed for long-term success.

Keywords: ketogenic diet, drug-resistant epilepsy