From clinical practice to mechanistic insights in ketogenic diets for epilepsy
Figueroa A G, Joshi C N, Patel M N (2026) The Lancet Neurology
Web URL: Read this research on The Lancet
Abstract:
Ketogenic diet therapies, including the classic ketogenic diet, modified Atkins diet, and low glycaemic index treatment, have shown effectiveness in controlling seizures, in part by shifting metabolism from glucose to ketone bodies.They improve mitochondrial function, reduce neuroinflammation, and modulate neurotransmitters. Ketogenic diet therapies also affect the gut microbiome, potentially impacting neurotransmitter balance in ways that contribute to seizure control.
A classic ketogenic diet is effective yet restrictive, whereas the modified Atkins diet and low glycaemic index treatment offer greater flexibility, tolerability, and ease of implementation, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Cochrane reviews and meta-analyses rank the certainty of randomised controlled trial evidence for ketogenic diet therapies as limited. Early initiation of ketogenic diet therapies, particularly in children or patients with metabolic epilepsies, improves seizure outcomes, potentially preventing further mitochondrial and neuronal damage and reducing the risk of developing resistance to antiseizure medications.
Research using rigorous, large-scale comparative effectiveness study designs that accounts for differences in age, epilepsy type, dietary therapy modality, sociodemographic background, care delivery contexts, and that minimises performance and observation bias is needed to resolve remaining uncertainties regarding the efficacy and real-world challenges of ketogenic diet therapies in epilepsy.
FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:
Read the releated news article:
Food and Behaviour Research is a registered charity (No SC034604) and a company limited by guarantee (Co No SC 253448)
Newsletter Signup
Useful Links
Contact Us
FAB Research
23 Carlton Road
Oxford
OX2 7SA
Important Notice
Medical opinion and guidance should always be sought for any symptoms that might possibly reflect a known or suspected disease, disorder or medical condition. Information provided on this website (or by FAB Research via any other means) does not in any way constitute advice on the treatment of any medical condition formally diagnosed or otherwise.
Site by Redstone Websites. Easy to Use Web Content Management. 2026 © All Rights Reserved.