‘Keto diet can prevent seizures in kids with epilepsy’

MANILA, Philippines — The ketogenic diet has been proven effective in helping children with epilepsy lead normal lives by preventing seizures, Nutritionists-Dietitians Association of the Philippines Inc. president Ma. Eloisa Villaraza said yesterday.

She said studies show that 10 to 15 percent of children with epilepsy, when put on a medical ketogenic diet, would become seizure-free while over half of such children would have a 50 percent reduction in seizures.

“The medical ketogenic diet is a therapeutic diet for epilepsy. One needs to consult professional pediatric neurologists and registered dieticians,” Villaraza said.

She explained that a traditional diet is usually high in carbohydrates, which serve as the main source of energy. With the ketogenic diet, the source of energy will be fats.

According to Villaraza, there are four types of ketogenic diet. “Only a doctor can decide and prescribe, while the dietitian computes for the implementation of the meal,” she said.

Going on a ketogenic diet need not be expensive because ordinary local food like coconut oil can be used as the primary source of fat in the diet, she said.

Villaraza advised parents of children with epilepsy to consult a professional so they can go on a ketogenic diet and enjoy a productive life until adulthood.

Neurologist Dr. Joyce Macaset-Smit of the Philippine League of Epilepsy and Nutrition Management of Epilepsy in Children, said epilepsy is a disorder of the brain associated with spontaneously occurring seizures.

However, Smit said doctors have to thoroughly investigate each case because not all seizures are symptoms of epilepsy.