What is a Keto Diet for Kids

A Keto Diet is a way of eating that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. Keto Diet can help control seizures in children who have epilepsy or other seizure disorders but do not respond well to medicines.

There are several different versions of Keto Diet for Kids. Each includes slight variations in the amount of fat, protein, and carbohydrates allowed. Your child’s health care team will work with you to determine the specific amounts that are best for your child.

Ketogenic eating plans can be challenging to follow. Your child should be closely monitored by a health care provider and a diet and nutrition specialist (dietitian) when following a ketogenic eating plan. When starting this diet, your child may need to stay in the hospital for observation.

What are tips for following this plan?

Reading food labels

• Look for foods that have a low glycemic index (GI) label.
• Read food ingredient lists to check for any hidden or added sugar.
• Check food labels for the number of grams of carbohydrates and protein in each serving. This is important.

Cooking

• Carefully measure or weigh foods.
• Make desserts using ketogenic or low GI recipes.
• Avoid cooking with sauces that contain added sugar, such as barbecue sauce or ketchup.

Meal planning

• Generally, most children on this eating plan should eat 4 grams (g) of fat for every 1 g of protein and carbohydrates. This means about 90% of your child’s daily calories should come from fat.
• Children who need more carbohydrates and protein may be allowed to eat 3 grams of fat for every 1 gram of protein and carbohydrates.
• Have your child limit how many grains, fruits, and vegetables he or she eats.
• Each day, your child should have:
  • Fat: __________g.
  • Protein: ___________g.
  • Carbohydrates: ___________g.

General instructions

• Ask your child’s health care provider what steps you can take to avoid side effects of this eating plan, such as constipation or kidney stones.
• Follow fluid restrictions as told by your child’s health care provider or dietitian.
• Give your child vitamin and mineral supplements only as told by a health care provider or dietitian.
• Let your child’s dietitian know about any changes in your child’s weight. Your child’s specific calorie, fat, protein, and carbohydrate amounts are calculated based on your child’s weight.
• Give your child only sugar-free over-the-counter medicines.
• Encourage your child to participate in regular exercise as told by a health care provider.

What foods are allowed?

The items listed below may not be a complete list. Talk with your dietitian about what dietary choices are best for your child.

Grains

Whole wheat bread. Bran cereal. Brown rice. Whole wheat pasta. Low GI cereals.

Vegetables

Lettuce. Beets. Bok choy. Eggplant. Tomatoes. Turnips. Cucumbers. Peppers. Radishes. Cauliflower. Zucchini. Fennel. Swiss Chard.

Fruits

Fresh pineapple, peaches, and apples. Other fresh and frozen fruits in small amounts.

Meats and other protein foods

Meat, poultry, and fish. Eggs. Egg substitutes. Nuts, seeds, lentils, and split peas in small amounts. Bacon.

Dairy

Cheese in moderate amounts.

Beverages

Plain water. Sugar-free, caffeine-free beverages. Mineral water or club soda. Caffeine-free, carbohydrate-free herbal tea.

Fats and oils

Avocado. Cream. Sour cream. Cream cheese. Butter. Plant-based oils, such as olive, canola, and sunflower. Margarine. Mayonnaise.

Sweets and desserts

Any homemade sweets or desserts made using ketogenic diet recipes.

What foods are not allowed?

The items listed below may not be a complete list. Talk with your dietitian about what dietary choices are best for your child.

Grains

All bread, dry cereals, and cooked cereals with added sugar. Baked goods. Crackers and pretzels.

Vegetables

Corn. Potatoes. Peas.

Fruits

Fruit juice. Fruits packed in syrups. Dried or candied fruits.

Meats and other protein foods

Meat, poultry, or fish prepared with flour or breading. Nut butters with added sugar. Beans.

Dairy

Milk. Yogurt.

Beverages

Sugar-sweetened teas, coffee drinks, or soft drinks. Juice. Sports drinks.

Fats and oils

Salad dressings with added sugar. Gravies.

Sweets and desserts

All sweets and desserts, unless the dessert is homemade using ketogenic diet recipes.

Summary

• The ketogenic eating plan is a medical nutrition therapy that is used for managing seizure disorders. It requires regular monitoring by a dietitian and a health care provider.
• There are several types of ketogenic eating plans that a child can follow. The health care team will decide which variation best meets your child’s needs.
• In general, a ketogenic eating plan includes eating a high fat, low carbohydrate, and lower protein diet.