Epilepsy Epilepsy Basics

Special diets can help reduce seizures for some children with epilepsy


Most children with epilepsy have their seizures controlled with medication. But a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates and protein may also help certain kids with epilepsy. When children are on the so-called ketogenic diet, which should only be implemented under a doctor’s supervision, their bodies produce compounds called ketones when fat is metabolized. For reasons not clearly understood, these ketones may protect against seizures in some children.