Efficacy of the Atkins diet as therapy for intractable epilepsy

Abstract

The ketogenic diet is effective for treating seizures in children with epilepsy. The Atkins diet can also induce a ketotic state, but has fewer protein and caloric restrictions, and has been used safely by millions of people worldwide for weight reduction. Six patients, aged 7 to 52 years, were started on the Atkins diet for the treatment of intractable focal and multifocal epilepsy. Five patients maintained moderate to large ketosis for periods of 6 weeks to 24 months; three patients had seizure reduction and were able to reduce antiepileptic medications. This provides preliminary evidence that the Atkins diet may have a role as therapy for patients with medically resistant epilepsy.

Ketogenic diets, mitochondria, and neurological diseases

“…Seizure control with the MAD was originally shown in six children and adults with intractable epilepsy ( 61 ). In the fi ve patients able to maintain ketosis for 6-24 months, three demonstrated a signifi cant reduction in seizures and seizures induced by central nervous system oxygen toxicity in adult rats ( 51 ).…”

The Ketogenic Diet: A Practical Guide for Pediatricians

“…In MAD, carbohydrate intake is limited to 10 to 20 g/day, and the fat to protein and carbohydrate ratio is about 1 to 2:1. 13 LGID uses a more liberalized diet, with the carbohydrate limited to food with a glycemic index of <50.…”

Food science: Fat chance

“…He says that the idea for the diet arose from observing similar results in people who relaxed the restrictions of the ketogenic diet 5 . In common with the Atkins weight-loss diet, MAD does not involve calorie counting, but limits carbohydrates and encourages fat consumption.…”