Fat-rich diet may reduce epileptic seizures, according to study

MILWAUKEE Most parents would not let their children eat a lot of whipping cream, vegetable oil and butter, but a new study shows that diet rich in those might benefit children with epilepsy.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin and appearing in the November issue of the journal Epileptica, indicates that a ketogenic diet might limit seizures.

According to a recent study of 43 patients at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin that has yet to be published, the approach has been effective. But, the researchers cautioned, the diet would require close supervision by healthcare professionals.

“This diet cannot be tried by parents without close medical management and follow-up,” lead study author and MWC professor of pediatrics Mary Zupanc said.

Of the children who started on the ketogenic diet between 2002 and 2006, half had a reduction in seizure frequency by more than 90% and had improved brain functioning. Most of the children who responded to the diet had either the most common form of epilepsy or a severe form called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.