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Epileptic seizures reduced with modified diet

A modified version of a popular high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet may significantly reduce the number of seizures in adults with epilepsy, according to a January 28, 2008, news release from Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland. Researchers suggest that the diet may offer a new option for patients when medications and other treatments fail or cause complications.

In 2002, Johns Hopkins researchers began testing a modified version of this diet in children with epilepsy. The modified diet shares the high-fat focus of a previously-prescribed ketogenic diet but allows consumption of more carbohydrates and protein without limiting fluids and calories. Studies revealed that the new diet prevented or curtailed seizures in children, and researchers then began testing it for efficacy and ease of use in adults.

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Thirty adults ages 18 to 53 years who had epilepsy were placed on the modified diet. Each individual had an average of 10 seizures per week and had previously used at least two anticonvulsant medications without success. Patients were re stricted to 15 g of carbohydrates per day but were allowed unlimited amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrate-free beverages. Patients were asked to keep daily diaries of what they ate and how many seizures they had.

Researchers evaluated each patient after one, three, and six months on the diet. The results indicated that about half of the patients experienced a 50% reduction in seizures by the end of the first month and one-third experienced a 50% reduction after three months. A third of the patients were unable to comply with the restrictions and dropped out by the third month. Fourteen patients chose to continue the diet after the study ended. The diet may not be a good fit for all patients, but research-ers believe it is another therapeutic option for adults who are trying to decide between medication, surgery, and electrical stimulation.

Modified Atkins diet can cut epileptic seizures in adults [news release]. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions; January 27, 2008.

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