Ketogenic Diet: An Ancient Treatment in Modern Times

First published August 2013
Updated January 2026

For most children with epilepsy, medication controls seizures effectively. However, for some children, medication is not successful. In these cases, doctors may turn to a method similar to treatment in ancient times: a ketogenic diet.

Before modern medications were discovered, seizures were often treated using starvation methods that date back to 500 B.C. Doctors discovered that limiting certain foods to someone with seizures was an effective treatment for seizures. In 1911, two physicians tested this by starving 20 people, and found that the subjects’ seizures significantly improved. However, this could not be used as a long-term treatment, and doctors attempted to look for ways to reduce seizures without starvation techniques. 

What is the Keto Diet?

In 1921, the ketogenic diet was discovered- a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that forces the body to burn fat for energy. When burning fat, the body creates ketones, which can help prevent seizures. This diet became an often-used treatment until 1970 when new epilepsy medication emerged. 

How is the Keto Diet Used Today? 

Today the ketogenic diet, along with other medical diets such as the modified Atkins and low glycemic index diet, can be successful treatments for seizures in children with epilepsy who are not responding to medications. These dietary treatments are strict and must be followed exactly. Children are usually required to eat large amounts of fat, some protein and limited fruits and vegetables. The diet can be challenging for older children to follow because they are often more aware of the foods they are supposed to avoid. For children who are fed through a G-tube, the diet is often much more manageable, since they can be changed to a ketogenic formula. 

Typical Foods Included in the Ketogenic Diet:              

• Meats 

• Cheese 

• Select vegetables 

• Limited fruit 

• Heavy whipping cream 

• Eggs 

• Butter 

• Oil 

Typical Foods Excluded from the Ketogenic Diet: 

• Cereal 

• Pasta, rice 

• Milk 

• Candy, crackers 

• Peas, corn 

• Bread 

• Yogurt 

• Potatoes 

Although the ketogenic diet does not have the same negative effects as starvation, it still changes how the body process food to make energy. Serious side effects can occur such as low blood sugar, high cholesterol, dehydration, kidney stones and vomiting. Frequent medical and nutrition follow up visits and routine labs are recommended to make sure the diet is being used safely and patients are continuing to grow normally. 

Parents should never try to use one of these diets on their own. The Pediatric Epilepsy Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital has a specialized team of professionals who care for children who would like to try dietary treatment. Please contact the Pediatric Epilepsy Center at 614-722-4625 if you are interested in more information about one of these diets.