This section has been derived from the standard UK reference for dieticians - Clinical Paediatric Dietetics - and shows the information available to your dietician. It describes four variations on the diet, the classical, the MCT oil, the Radcliffe and the Great Ormond Street diets.

This information is included for reference only - it is not recommended that you follow any of these specific instructions.

A general description of the ketogenic diet

The ketogenic diet was first used as a treatment in 1921. It aims to mimic the effects of fasting, using fat as the major energy source leading to the production of ketone bodies.

The classical ketogenic diet

This diet is reported to give the most favourable results, but it is very restrictive and requires a large amount of dietetic involvement in terms of calculations, monitoring, patient support and motivation of the family to adhere to the diet.

The MCT oil diet

Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) have been shown to be more effective at reducing fits in lower quantities than long chain fats. The MCT diet is calculated using the desired energy intake for the child's age and size.

The John Radcliffe diet

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.

The Great Ormond Street diet

This is an alternative version of the MCT diet, based on fat and energy exchanges. The child's energy requirement is derived from 30% MCT, 30% long chain fat, counted as 15g fat exchanges and 40% from other foods, counted as 100kcal exchanges.

General issues

Reviews various general matters relating to the ketogenic diet, and provides references.

return to   The ketogenic diet

(checked: )
(update 1.1: 18 July 2002)
(issue 1: 25 August 1997)