Ketogenic diet for epilepsy

Abstract

Background: The ketogenic diet is a diet high in fat but low in carbohydrate and it is suggested that this diet reduces seizure frequency. Currently, this diet is used mainly for children who continue to have seizures despite treatment with antiepileptic drugs.

Objectives: To overview the evidence from randomized controlled trials regarding the effects of ketogenic diets.

Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Epilepsy Group trials register (26 March 2003), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library issue 1, 2003), MEDLINE (January 1966 to March 2003) and EMBASE (1980 to March 2003).

Selection criteria: Randomized controlled trials of ketogenic diets for people with epilepsy.

Data collection and analysis: We planned for two reviewers to independently apply inclusion criteria and extract data.

Main results: No randomized controlled trials were found.

Reviewer's conclusions: There is no reliable evidence from randomized controlled trials to support the use of ketogenic diets for people with epilepsy. There are large observational studies, some prospective, suggesting an effect on seizures. These effects need validating in randomized controlled trials. For those with a difficult epilepsy on multiple antiepileptic drugs, we consider the ketogenic diet a possible option.