Ketogenic diet and childhood neurological disorders other than epilepsy: an overview

Abstract

In the last years, ketogenic diet (KD) has been experimentally utilized in various childhood neurologic disorders such as mitochondriopathies, alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC), brain tumors, migraine, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this review is to analyze how KD can target these different medical conditions, highlighting possible mechanisms involved. Areas covered: We have conducted an analysis on literature concerning KD use in mitochondriopathies, AHC, brain tumors, migraine, and ASD. Expert commentary: The role of KD in reducing seizure activity in some mitochondriopathies and its efficacy in pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency is known. Recently, few cases suggest the potentiality of KD in decreasing paroxysmal activity in children affected by AHC. A few data support its potential use as co-adjuvant and alternative therapeutic option for brain cancer, while any beneficial effect of KD on migraine remains unclear. KD could improve cognitive and social skills in a subset of children with ASD.

Understanding the core principles of a ‘modified ketogenic diet’: aUKand Ireland perspective

“…Ketogenic diets (KDs) for the dietary management of epilepsy and neurometabolic conditions have undergone a worldwide renaissance and a reported increase in use over recent decades . Clinical and scientific research has confirmed degrees of efficacy , revealed possible mechanistic insights and, more recently, indicated their potential as adjunctive treatments for an ever‐widening range of other medical conditions . However, acceptability of KDs and adherence to the requisite, habitual, very low‐carbohydrate, very high‐fat intake is known to be variable and problematic, particularly for adults .…”

Serum Level of Ionized Calcium in Patients with Migraine during a Migraine Attack and Times without Migraine

“…Findings may also add to the growing evidence for involvement of magnesium in migraine pathophysiology (1). Other studies show that Ca2+ and other ion channels are important in the mechanism of cortical spreading depression, which is believed to initiate migraine attacks (2). Thus, impaired function of cerebral Ca2+ channels may facilitate the initiation of attacks (10).…”

“…The calcium channels are known to regulate the release of serotonin. with impaired functioning of the channels, serotonin may not effectively be released or may be released in low quantities (2). As a consequence of this dip, a range of migraine symptoms begin to occur (19).…”

“…Migraine is a common headache that may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light and sound, which is called migraine with aura (MA) (1). The main symptom of a migraine is usually an intense headache on one side of the head (2,3). This debilitating progressive and chronic neurovascular disorder affects approximately 6% of males and 18% of females worldwide (4).…”

Pathways of Prevention: A Scoping Review of Dietary and Exercise Interventions for Neurocognition

“…An additional benefit is that it may be easier for many individuals to comply with It also may be easier for many individuals to comply with, [195] increasing the likelihood of sustained adherence. Finally, the ketogenic diet (KD) has been examined, originally as a potential non-pharmacological strategy to reduce the frequency and severity of seizure activity in epileptic patients [196]. Through hermetic mechanisms, KD has been postulated to improve central metabolic function, [169,197,198] a critical factor in age-dependent neurocognitive decline [197].…”