This is a variation of the MCT diet, but is easier to manage practically. The calculation is based on the daily energy intake required for the child, with 30% energy being provided from MCT and 30% from other fat which may be of vegetable or animal origin.

Calculation of daily amounts

Energy intake for the day should be apportioned as follows:

30:30: 11:19: 10 - MCT oil: double cream: fat from foods: carbohydrate: protein

Construction of the diet

• Skimmed milk is used as the medium for incorporating MCT oil or Liquigen into the diet and an allowance for this is made before calculating the rest of the diet

• The amount of double cream required is calculated; 10ml double cream can be exchanged for 5g other fat (e.g. butter).

• Fat used in cooking is not included in the calculations provided the energy intake is not excessive.

• Protein foods are counted using 6g protein exchanges (see Table 3); 6g fat is assigned to each 30g meat (1 protein exchange).

• Carbohydrate foods are counted using a 10g exchange system (Table 3), avoiding high sugar foods or those with a significant protein content.

• If the total number of protein and/or carbohydrate exchanges are not consumed this is acceptable, provided the estimated protein requirement is met and weight loss does not occur.

• A combined protein and carbohydrate exchange can be calculated for foods that are not on the exchange list, allowing greater flexibility.

Table 5 Example calculation of John Radcliffe diet,
based on a desired intake of 1500kcal

continue to   The Great Ormond Street Diet
return to   UK ketogenic diet protocols
return to   MCT oil

(checked: )
(update 1.1:18 July 2002)
(issue 1: 12 August 1997)