The Use of Ketogenic Diet in Pediatric Patients with Epilepsy

Table 1

Types of ketogenic diets [4].

	Macronutrient content (% total daily calories)			Comments
	Fat	Protein	Carbohydrate
				(i) 4 : 1 or 3 : 1 (fat : nonfat) ratio
Classic ketogenic diet	LCT: 85–90	6–8	2–4	(ii) Unpalatable → poor compliance
				(iii) GI effects: constipation
				(i) ~3 : 1 (fat : nonfat) ratio
MCT diet	MCT: 71	10	19	(ii) Easier to prepare
				(iii) Greater flexibility with protein and carbohydrate allowance
				(iv) GI effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea in ~50% patients
Modified MCT diet	LCT: 40–50	10–20	5–10	(i) Incorporates LCT and MCT
	MCT: 30			(ii) Fewer GI effects
				(i) No fasting or hospital stay
Modified Atkins diet	60–70	20–30	5	(ii) No calorie restrictions
				(iii) Less dietitian support
Low-glycemic-index treatment diet	60–70	20–30	10	(i) Only low-glycemic-index carbohydrates allowed for 10% daily carbohydrates
				(ii) Details of how diet is prescribed are not widely known [1]

LCT: long-chain triglycerides; MCT: medium-chain triglycerides; GI: gastrointestinal.