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Ketogenic diet for epilepsy
Despite the success of the ketogenic diet in some children, many doctors are skeptical of its use. It may pose other health risks to your child, and it is extremely hard to follow. Until more is known about how the ketogenic diet works and what its effects are, some doctors may not recommend using it. If you are thinking about having your child try the ketogenic diet, keep in mind that it has several drawbacks:
- For the diet to prevent seizures, your child has to follow it exactly. The amounts and types of foods eaten have to be measured precisely. And preparing meals can take a lot of time.
- The diet does not work for some children, no matter how closely they follow it.
- The ketogenic diet is not a healthy eating plan for children or adults.
- People on the diet usually need to take vitamin and mineral supplements.
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| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: October 15, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Steven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology | |
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