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What is Ketogenic Diet?

 

 

The Ketogenic Diet is a nutritional therapy used especially for patients with intractable epilepsy. In other words, it can help those people for whom antiepileptic drugs do not have a sufficient effect. The two scientific associations, ILAE (International League Against Epilepsy) and INKS (International Neurological Ketogenic Society) are particularly committed to the use of the Ketogenic Diet in intractable epilepsy and are driving pioneering research and awareness in this area.

In addition, the Ketogenic diet, is therapy of choice for inborn errors of metabolism, such as the GLUT1 Defect and PDH Deficiency (1, 2).

The goal of the Ketogenic diet is to put the body into a metabolic state known as ketosis (3).

 

 But what does that mean exactly?

Ketogenic Diet: 

In the Ketogenic Diet, the carbohydrate content in the diet is significantly reduced and replaced with an increased intake of healthy fats (2). 

Body produces Ketones: 

The liver produces ketones from the fats consumed, which serve as an alternative energy source for the body (2).

Effect: 

Ketones provide muscles and the brain with sufficient energy and can reduce or control epileptic seizures (2).

Key facts at a glance 

Indications of the Ketogenic Diet

Intractable epilepsy

Epilepsy affects approximately 50 million people worldwide. The WHO therefore classifies epilepsy as a widespread disease. It is characterized by recurrent seizures (5). Some people with epilepsy can control their seizures well with medication. However, 30 % of people with the condition are considered intractable, meaning that medication does not work sufficiently to reduce their seizures (6). For these people, interventions such as surgery and vagus nerve stimulation may be indicated, but both are invasive, carry the risk of complications, and are not suitable for everyone. For them, the Ketogenic Diet may be a promising alternative treatment option (7).

GLUT1 Defect

Glucose transporter1 Defect (GLUT1 Defect) is an inborn error of metabolism in which a transporter that transports glucose to the brain does not function correctly. Due to the defect, the brain cannot be supplied with sufficient energy (8). The standard therapy is the Ketogenic Diet, in which ketones are used as an alternative energy source and thus compensate for the energy deficit (2). 

PDH Deficiency

Pyruvate dehydrogenase Deficiency (PDH Deficiency) is a congenital metabolic disorder in which an enzyme complex involved in carbohydrate breakdown does not function correctly. This leads to a defect in the breakdown of carbohydrates in the brain and muscles (9). The standard recommended therapy is the Ketogenic Diet, which uses ketones as an alternative energy source and bypasses the disorder (2). 

Forms of Ketogenic Diet 

Classic Ketogenic Diet (cKD)

The classic Ketogenic Diet is a very high fat, strictly low carbohydrate, and protein and calorie balanced diet. Detailed meal plans are required to achieve good ketosis. All foods must be carefully weighed and their nutrients and Ketogenic Ratio calculated. The Ketogenic Ratio describes the ratio of fat to carbohydrates and proteins and can vary individually (2:1, 3:1, 4:1) (10).

MCT Ketogenic Diet (MCT KD) 

The MCT Ketogenic Diet was developed back in the 1970s as an innovative alternative to the Classic Ketogenic Diet. Unlike the Classic Ketogenic Diet, the MCT Ketogenic Diet replaces a part of the consumed fats with MCT fats. Thanks to their special seizure-reducing and ketogenic properties, it allows a reduction in total fat intake, an increase in carbohydrate intake and opens up more varied food choices (10).

Modified Atkins Diet (MAD)

The Modified Atkins Diet is a high-fat diet in which the daily amount of carbohydrates is limited, but it can be slightly increased over time once the body reaches ketosis. The majority of daily energy (> 65%) should come from fat. Carbohydrates can be consumed together with fat at any time of the day. Compared to the Classic Ketogenic Diet, MAD is less strict and allows a wider variety of foods (10).

MCT fats in Ketogenic Diet

What are MCT fats?

Medium chain triglycerices (MCT fats for short) summarize fats with medium chain fatty acids, i.e. fatty acids with 6 to 12 carbon atoms

Benefits of MCT fats

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are fats that are absorbed more quickly by the body due to their shorter carbon chain. They are also converted into ketone bodies more efficiently than regular fats (11). This means that by replacing part of the fat intake with MCTs, it's possible to consume slightly less total fat while still maintaining reliable ketosis. This allows for more flexibility in the diet, including the option to include more carbohydrates and make meals more varied. Interestingly, research in recent years has shown that MCTs may also help reduce seizures independently of ketosis (12). In other words, MCTs could support seizure control even without following a strict ketogenic diet.


Key benefits of MCTs at a glance:

  • Support ketosis
  • Provide quick energy for the brain
  • Calm overactive nerve cells and prevent seizures

 

 

Try our ketogenic recipes

Ketogenic diet

Stuffed mushrooms with spinach and feta

Easy
2:1
Ketogenic diet

Salmon mille feuille with KetoBiota-crackers

Difficult
1.5:1
Ketogenic diet

Christmas pastry

Moderate
2:1
Ketogenic diet

Hearty sweet potato soup

Easy
1.5:1
Ketogenic diet

Keto Birthday Cake

Moderate
2,5:1
Ketogenic diet

Pear pastries

Moderate
2:1
Ketogenic diet

Pumpkin Cookies

Easy
2:1
Ketogenic diet

Chia raspberry dessert

Easy
2.5:1
Ketogenic diet

Blinis with salmon topping

Easy
2:1

Discover our full range of products

Kanso Keto Epi 2:1
Kanso Keto Epi creamy 2:1
Kanso Keto Biota
Kanso MCT Oil 100 %
Kanso MCT Oil 100 % (6 g sachets)
Kanso MCT Oil 77 %
Kanso MCT Margarine 83%
Kanso MCT Fiber
Kanso KetVit
Kanso MCT Cream

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