Is my child too young to try the ketogenic diet? Expand The ketogenic diet is frequently used for children from two years of age upwards, although the diet can also be used for babies from as tiny as six months – and sometimes even younger.
Is the diet suitable if my child has special dietary requirements? Expand The ketogenic diet can accommodate most dietary requirements and can be used for different cultures and food restrictions. Children with food allergies and those who are vegetarian, vegan or follow a kosher or halal diet can also access the ketogenic diet, as can children who are tube/PEG fed and those who have gastrointestinal restrictions.
Is the diet suitable for children with GLUT1? Expand If your child has been diagnosed with GLUT1 deficiency syndrome* the ketogenic diet may be a life-time treatment. * A rare genetic disorder that impairs brain metabolism. GLUT1 (a protein) is responsible for the transport of glucose (a sugar) from the blood into the brain. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain; a shortage of glucose leads to impairment of brain function and growth.
How long does it take for the diet to work? Expand Some children improve within a week while others show a slower response and take up to three months or more to respond.
How long will my child have to be on the diet? Expand This will depend on how much benefit there is from the diet. If your child is seizure-free or has had a marked reduction in seizures for two years, most doctors would suggest a trial of slowly changing back to a more normal diet.
Is the ketogenic diet bad for your heart? Expand Although the diet is high in fat, this fat is changed into ketones. Ketones are used by the brain for energy and should not increase the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol levels will be monitored whilst on the diet.
What are my next steps? Expand If you would like to seriously consider the ketogenic diet as a treatment option for your child please speak to your consultant, paediatrician or GP to request a referral to see a ketogenic dietitian.
How do I find out more about the diet? Expand Request a FREE Daisy Garland Ketogenic Information Pack here
What ketogenic support does The Daisy Garland offer? Expand Daisy’s Keto Café, our online parent support group, is an interactive, buzzy café accessed via The Daisy Garland Facebook page. This closed, private group is a safe place for old and new keto parents to get together to share thoughts, discuss worries, exchange keto recipes, tips and tricks and to seek advice from other keto parents. And Marian, our Daisy Ketogenic Nutritionist is always on hand to offer free help and guidance. Family support is our top priority and you will find this in abundance in Daisy's Keto Café. The Daisy Garland fund Ketogenic Dietitians and Dietetic Support Workers all of them working within the NHS treating thousands of children FREE of charge with the ketogenic diet. Every child in the UK starting the ketogenic diet is offered a complimentary Daisy Garland Ketogenic Welcome Box bursting with lots of essential items to get their keto journey off to a positive start. The Really Useful Ketogenic Diets Booklet, written and produced by us comes in user-friendly format and is packed with essential information about the ketogenic diet diet, FAQ’s, true stories, dietitians top tips and has tempting recipes for you to try. This booklet is the perfect introduction to the ketogenic diet. The Really Useful Ketogenic Diets Book - a guide to the different diets available researched and written by us in conjunction with our dietitians - includes everything you need to know about running the ketogenic diet. A copy is included in every Daisy Welcome Box, along with a selection of our 'I can Only Have Food From Home' stickers and badges. Our Daisy Dietitians host regular Ketogenic Cookery Events and Coffee Mornings countrywide. Keep your eye on our Events page and The Daisy Garland Facebook Page for updates and more information.