Role of ketogenic diet in pediatric epilepsy

Abstract

Pediatric epileptic seizures occupy a significant place in the current nosology of neurological syndromes. Most effected population with seizures is children and elderly and less affected are adults. Role of diet is plays an important part in reducing the severity of symptoms, most significant diet is ketogenic, which has been used from 1921 as a best treatment option. Composition of ketogenic diet (KD) includes highest ratio of fat, moderate ratio of protein and lowest ratio of carbohydrates. Combination of energy giving nutrients in this ratio induces the ketosis which leads to reduction in the initiation of seizures. Ketogenic diet participates in various mechanisms i.e. regulation of neurotransmitters, limiting glycolysis pathway, tri-carboxylic-acid cycle and oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acid; induces the anti-seizures responses. Numerous nutrients also showing the positive potential against epileptic seizures. But continues and very strict adherence to ketogenic diet causes some adverse effects on human body disrupting the normal mechanism of body. The focus of this review is on the pediatric epilepsy and modification in symptoms with the application of the ketogenic diet