long term effects of ketogenic diet in adults
The aim of Bertoli was to determine the long-term effects of a ketogenic diet on body composition and bone mineral status of patients with GLUT-1 DS. Changes in body composition and bone mineral status were observed in adult patients with GLUT-1 DS who have been treated with a ketogenic diet for more than 5 years.
Long-term use of the ketogenic diet in children increases the risk of slowed or stunted growth, bone fractures and kidney stones. The diet reduces levels of insulin-like growth factor 1, which is important for childhood growth. Like many anticonvulsant drugs, the ketogenic diet has an adverse effect on bone health.
The typical ketogenic diet, called the long-chain triglyceride diet, provides 3 to 4 grams of fat for every 1 gram of carbohydrate and protein. Several studies have shown that the ketogenic diet does reduce or prevent seizures in many children whose seizures could not be controlled by medications. 1  Over half of children who go on the diet have at least a 50% reduction in the number of their seizures. 2  Some children, usually 10-15%, even become seizure-free.