Ketogenic Diet Can be used to Control Seizures

A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet called 'ketogenic diet' could be used to control seizures in epilepsy patients. According to a latest study, there is a direct link between metabolism in brain cells and their ability to transmit signals.

The research by scientists at McGill University and the University of Zurich shows that metabolism can control "the processes that inhibits brain activity" seen in people with epilepsy. The study team wanted to know why putting children with epilepsy on high-fat and low-carb diet is effective in controlling seizures.

Other researchers had previously assumed that metabolism and signalling in brain cells are un-related processes. However, the current study shows that both the pathways are conneted.

Most drugs used to treat epilepsy reduce brain activity. "Inhibition in the brain is commonly targeted in clinical practice," said Derek Bowie, Canada Research Chair in Receptor Pharmacology at McGill and corresponding author of the study, according to a news release. "For example, drugs that alleviate anxiety, induce anesthesia, or even control epilepsy work by strengthening brain inhibition. These pharmacological approaches can have their drawbacks, since patients often complain of unpleasant side effects."

The study showed that there is a connection between mitochondrial activity of the brain cells and their signalling ability. Brain cells use small chemical messengers, called reactive oxygen species (or ROS), to couple these two independent functions. Previous research has shown that ROS is associated with several brain conditions including Alzheimer's disease. The study shows that these messengers might be involved in boosting brain health.

The ketogenic diet lost its popularity post-1950s after anticonvulsant drugs hit the market. But, these drugs carry many side-effects and also don't work in about 20 percent of the patients. The current study might offer a different approach on controlling the condition.

The study is published in the journal Nature Communications

Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which the affected person has several seizures over time. An estimated 2 million people living in the U.S have epilepsy with another 140,000 developing the condition each year. Epilepsy costs about $15 billion to the US economy, CDC says.

People suffering from epilepsy shouldn't change medications or alter their diets before consulting a healthcare practitioner.