Comprehensive Epilepsy Center
Ketogenic Diet Therapy - Possible Side Effects
Like all treatments for epilepsy, the ketogenic diet has side effects which may or may not affect any particular individual.
Some side effects can be easily managed if caught early, knowing what to look for can make a difference.
A common side effect is constipation. Some ketogenic diet plans restrict fluid and lead to significant problems with dehydration,
kidney stones, and gallstones, but that has not been a great difficulty for us since we do not restrict fluid.
Woman on the diet may have irregular menstrual cycles and if you are family planning, it is not recommended that you follow
the ketogenic diet. There have been reports of decreased bone density on the diet, and a DEXA scan or bone density scan will
be performed while you are on the diet.
There are also concerns about the possibility of elevation in cholesterol and lipids and lipid levels will be followed closely.
There have been rare case reports of cardiac abnormalities on the diet, particularly in patients who are not supplemented
with selenium or vitamins. An EKG will be followed periodically.
The diet lacks several important vitamins which have been added to the supplements. It is critical that you take the supplements.
