ATKINS DIET IN EPILEPSY

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The ketogenic diet, a high fact, low protein and low carbohydrate diet which mimics starvation by creating a state of ketosis in the body has been shown to reduce the frequency of seizures in children with epilepsy. More recently, data has become available regarding the possible utility of this diet in adults. However, the diet is very strict and is not easy to utilize. The Atkins Diet is a high fat, high protein, low carbohydrate diet that is being utilized extensively for weight loss. During the induction phase of this diet (when carbohydrate intake is <20g/day), ketosis can be induced. Our hypothesis is that the ketosis induced by the Atkins Diet could be effective in treating epilepsy in a similar manner to the ketogenic diet without the severe restrictiveness. We have a current protocol (03-07-24-01) to evaluate the Atkins Diet in children. This study is still in the enrollment phase. However, the Atkins Diet as a treatment for seizures may have its greatest impact in adults. This is because adults have traditionally been discouraged from the ketogenic diet due to concerns about severe restrictiveness, weight loss and hyperlipidemia. Therefore, we propose a prospective study to determine whether the Atkins Diet is efficacious for reducing seizures, improves quality of life, creates ketosis, and is well tolerated in adults with intractable seizures. This protocol has been approved by the JHH IRB (04-02-27-08).