ketogenic diet
Pronunciation: kee-toe-JEN-ick
A high-fat, low-carbohydrate medical diet used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy in children by inducing ketosis.
Full Definition
The ketogenic diet is a specialized medical therapy consisting of high fat (80-90%), adequate protein, and very low carbohydrate content designed to induce and maintain ketosis as a treatment for refractory epilepsy. Originally developed in the 1920s, this metabolically-based therapy mimics the biochemical effects of fasting and has shown efficacy in reducing seizure frequency in children who do not respond adequately to antiepileptic medications. The diet requires careful medical supervision, precise meal planning, and regular monitoring of nutritional status, growth, and potential side effects. Variants include the modified Atkins diet and low glycemic index treatment, which offer less restrictive alternatives while maintaining therapeutic benefits.
Usage
Usage note: When referring to the medical therapy, capitalize as 'Ketogenic Diet' in formal protocols. Lowercase in general clinical discussions.
In Context
- "The ketogenic diet achieved a 75% seizure reduction in this child with Dravet syndrome." — Treatment response evaluation
- "Initiation of the ketogenic diet requires hospitalization for careful monitoring and family education." — Treatment protocol