High Fat Diet Study in Epileptic Children

BBC News reports that a recent high-fat diet trial in the UK has seen great results in the reduction of seizures in children who suffered from epilepsy. The trial is being conducted in Lancet Neurology, and the diet consists of high-fat, low carbohydrates, and a controlled amount of protein.

Throughout the trial, two groups of children who suffered from epilepsy were given two different diets. The group that received the high-fat diet, saw a reduction of 66% in the amount of seizures, while the percentage remain unchanged for the other group who did not start the high-fat diet.

Professor Helen Cross mentions:

"The parents say the first two weeks are quite difficult, but then it becomes much easier because you can make foods in bulk and it especially helps if you can see the benefits from it.”

While it seems that the trial is successful so far, there are some side-effects, which include constipation, vomiting, lack of energy and hunger. Many hope that this trial will be wide-spread over epileptic children who do not see good results from drug treatment.