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Ketogenic Diet

Very-low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that shifts metabolism toward ketone production for energy.

Also: Keto Diet

Classical medical ketogenic diet (4:1 fat to combined carbohydrate and protein ratio) is an established treatment for drug-resistant pediatric epilepsy. Modified Atkins and MCT-based variants are easier to follow. Increasingly studied for type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain neurologic conditions. Requires careful monitoring of growth, lipids, vitamins/minerals, kidney stones, and acid-base status.

How one textbook covers it

  • Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 41

    Classical medical ketogenic diet (4:1 fat to combined carbohydrate and protein ratio) is an established treatment for drug-resistant pediatric epilepsy. Modified Atkins and MCT-based variants are easier to follow. Increasingly studied for type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain neurologic conditions. Requires careful monitoring of growth, lipids, vitamins/minerals, kidney stones, and acid-base status.

Related terms

Epilepsy, Ketones, MCT