Ketogenic diet: overview, types, and possible anti-seizure mechanisms

ABSTRACT

The ketogenic diet (KD) has been used for a long time as a therapeutic approach for drug-resistant epilepsy. It is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and adequate protein diet. There are various types of KD with some differences in their compositions that mainly include classic KD, medium-chain triglyceride diet, modified Atkins diet, and low glycemic index treatment. The anti-seizure mechanisms of KDs have not yet completely understood but, some possible mechanisms can be theorized. The aim of the present study was to review the various types of KD and explain the probable biochemical mechanisms involved in its anti-seizure property.

KEYWORDS:

• Classic ketogenic diet
• ketone bodies
• low glycemic index treatment
• mechanism of action
• medium-chain triglyceride diet
• modified Atkins diet
• neuronal death
• polyunsaturated fatty acids

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a grant (62543) from the Research Vice-Chancellor of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.