The ketogenic diet can benefit some children with difficult to control seizures, or for whom the side effects of medication and/or surgery are considered unacceptable. This is a very special diet and requires the supervision of medical professionals and a dietitian. The diet is very high in fat, low in carbohydrates, has restricted calories and no sugar. Anything that the child puts in his/her mouth, even including toothpaste, must be monitored. Fluid intake is also restricted. The diet requires compliance with very stringent rules, but can be very useful for some children in reducing the number of seizures. Studies show that approximately one-third of children strictly adhering to the diet are seizure free or close to it, one-third experience a reduction in seizures, and one-third are unresponsive.

Matthew’s Friends are a UK registered charity specialising exclusively in medial ketogenic dietary therapies. They support patients, families, and health professionals by providing information, training, research, and grants to develop ketogenic services.

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