Modified ketogenic diet (MKD)

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.