Ketogenic Diet Research Papers

Carbohydrates are the primary fuel of the human body. A few days without consuming carbs drives the body into a metabolic state known as ketosis, where the primary energy source is fat. A diet that induces a permanent state of ketosis is known as a ketogenic diet. This dietary regimen is currently gaining popularity, largely as a result of the publicity created by American physician Dr. Atkins for his Atkins diet. But while a ketogenic diet is commonly employed to successfully treat some ailments--notably epilepsy in children--its safety over the long-term has remained an under-researched and controversial topic.

What are the consequences of a persistently altered metabolism?

A 2010 study carried out at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions found no evidence of significant side effects after a long-term high-fat dietary regimen among epileptic patients. Scientists tracked 101 young patients at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center that underwent a ketogenic regime to treat epileptic seizures. Depending on the patient, the diet lasted between 16 months and 8 years. Researchers did not find any significant side effects caused by the diet, although they noted that some of the potential side effects might take decades to be noticeable and the average body size of the
There is a risk of constipation because dietary fiber is typically present in high-carb foods. Other symptoms include higher cholesterol, kidney stones, low blood sugar, increased blood acidity, and even impaired growth. Ideally, there should be a balance between macro nutrients. This can be more difficult to achieve with a high-fat diet given that the human body is adapted for a carb-burning mode by default. Greater attention should be given to essential minerals and vitamins as the body will still need these micronutrients to function properly. Nutritional supplements are often