September is National Epilepsy Awareness Month in the Philippines. Epilepsy is a neuromuscular disorder in which abnormal electric activity in the brain causes recurring transient seizures. There is an unregulated chaotic electric discharge that occurs during seizures. The patient may experience loss of consciousness which may last for a few seconds, as in petit mal attacks or which may be accompanied by convulsions as in grand mal attacks. This condition occurs more frequently in children than in adults.

Lack of understanding about epilepsy may lead to misinterpretation, social disgrace and hampers access to successful treatment; Having Epilepsy can lead to serious medical consequences and is both an economic and social burden. Consequently, Nutrition Management for epilepsy is important to ensure appropriate diet for normal growth during childhood and adolescence and for health maintenance in adulthood. It seeks to ameliorate side effects of the anti-convulsant drugs used 

One of the recommended diet for patients with epilepsy is Ketogenic Diet. It is a high fat diet with a ratio of 3:1 by weight to produce ketosis by limiting the amount of available glucose and increasing markedly the intake of fat so that complete combustion of fats cannot take place. This diet will also reduce the need for anti-convulsant drugs. Patients taking Dilantin as anti-convulsant drugs are advised to have rich a diet rich in folic acid since Dilantin is antagonist to folic acid. 

The total quantity of fat can be reduced, and the total quantity of protein and Carbohydrates can be increased. This will induce ketosis more readily than regular fats containing primary LCT. Following tables and figures serves as references for managing diet for epilepsy. 

Table 1. Calorie Requirement for Children

Table 2. Macronutrient Requirement 

For a ketogenic Diet, it’s still best to consult a Licensed Nutritionist Dietitian for a correct calculation. Good nutritional habits and a healthy lifestyle are important in obtaining optimal seizure control.

 (MJL/AMVF)

Source: Medical Nutrition Therapy NDAP Foundation, Inc. 2015