Low GI treatment (LGIT) Expand The LGIT is a high fat diet similar to the ketogenic diet. It focuses on both the type and amount of carbohydrate consumed. The Glycemic Index (GI) is a measure of the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Foods are rated on their GI values ranging from 0 to 100. The LGIT includes foods that have a GI of 50 or lower and typically restrict carbohydrates to around 40g to 60g per day. The digestion of carbohydrate food is also slowed by eating foods containing fat or fibre at the same time. This treatment is normally used in older children as it includes a lot of fibre, which can be challenging for younger children. LGIT contains: 60% fat 30% protein 10% carbohydrate
Modified ketogenic diet (MKD) Expand This diet is similar to the weight loss ‘Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution’ diet but weight loss is not the goal. It is high in fat and low in carbohydrate but is less restrictive than the traditional ketogenic diet, and has been shown to be well tolerated and an effective therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy. This diet is useful for older children as it can give more flexibility. It focuses on a carbohydrate restriction of 15g to 20g per day, with free protein and fat, although fat needs to be encouraged for good ketosis. The calories are not controlled as in other diets, so it is important that weight and growth are monitored closely. The MKD contains: 65% fat 30% protein 5% carbohydrate.
MCT diet Expand This diet includes some fat that occurs naturally in food, as well as some from a supplement of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) fat. This supplement can be mixed into food or milk and is only available on prescription. When the MCT is broken down for energy it produces more ketones and as a result more carbohydrate is allowed than on other ketogenic diets. This diet is used for all children and can be helpful in school age children as the slightly increased carbohydrate allowance means they can include some familiar foods. The MCT diet contains: 75% to 90% fat (30%-60% MCT) 10% protein 10% to 15% carbohydrate.
Classical ketogenic diet Expand The classical diet is based on a ratio of fat to protein and carbohydrate. Most of the fat in the diet comes from cream, butter, oil and other naturally fatty foods. Each meal has the same balance of fat, protein and carbohydrate and each part needs to be carefully weighed to the nearest gram. This diet is particularly useful for young children and tube-fed children. A normal diet should contain around 50% carbohydrate, 35% fat and 15% protein, but the classical diet contains up to: 90% fat 6% protein 4% carbohydrate