How is it different from the ketogenic diet?
Although the foods are very similar, there are key differences between the modified Atkins diet and the ketogenic diet. First, with the Atkins diet there is no fluid or calorie restriction. Also, although fats are strongly encouraged, there are no restrictions on proteins. In addition, foods are not weighed and measured, but carbohydrate counts are monitored by patients and parents. It is started outside of the hospital, without a fast, as well. Lastly, foods can be eaten more freely in restaurants and outside the home, and families (and neurologists!) can do it as well. The diet is a “modified” Atkins diet as it allows for less carbohydrates than traditional Atkins (10-20g/day) and more strongly encourages fat intake. Please remember that no diet should be done without a neurologist and dietitian involved. Who will it help? At this time, research is underway to help answer this question. Preliminary results in a small number of patients suggests that the modified Atkins diet may help
