Basu Soma, Hemamalini A J
Department of Clinical Nutrition, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2025 Jul 1;28(4):541-546. doi: 10.4103/aian.aian_155_25. Epub 2025 Jun 9.
Epilepsy affects millions of children worldwide, with 30% of cases being resistant to conventional antiseizure medications, necessitating alternative treatments. The ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate regimen, is effective in drug-resistant epilepsy, but access to affordable, culturally appropriate ketogenic products remains a challenge in developing countries. This study aims to develop the first indigenous ketogenic formula for children with drug-resistant epilepsy, using locally sourced, culturally appropriate ingredients.
A ketogenic formula was developed using coconut milk powder, almond flour, soya flour, rice flakes, Bengal gram dal, and coconut oil, ensuring adaptability to ketogenic ratios (1:1 to 4:1). Organoleptic evaluation was conducted with neurologists, dietitians, parents, and children to assess taste, texture, and acceptability. Microbial safety and nutritional analysis ensured compliance with dietary requirements.
The developed ketogenic formula demonstrated high acceptability across all groups, with neurologists, dietitians, parents, and children giving hedonic scores of 8.8, 8.6, 8.4, and 8.2, respectively. Microbial testing confirmed safety, with no pathogenic bacteria detected. Nutritional analysis confirmed adherence to dietary standards with an energy content 564.99 kcal, fat content 37.99 g, protein content 9.1 g, and carbohydrates 46.67 g. The developed ketogenic formula also maintained its quality and safety throughout a 6-month shelf life study without use of any preservatives.
This study successfully developed a culturally appropriate, cost-effective ketogenic formula, addressing barriers to epilepsy management in resource-limited settings. Its high acceptability, safety, and adaptability suggest its potential for widespread use. Future clinical trials will assess its long-term efficacy and broader applicability.
癫痫影响着全球数百万儿童，其中30%的病例对传统抗癫痫药物耐药，因此需要 alternative treatments。生酮饮食是一种高脂肪、低碳水化合物的饮食方案，对耐药性癫痫有效，但在发展中国家，获得价格合理、符合当地文化的生酮产品仍然是一个挑战。本研究旨在使用当地采购的、符合当地文化的食材，为耐药性癫痫儿童开发首个本土生酮配方。
使用椰奶粉、杏仁粉、大豆粉、米片、鹰嘴豆和椰子油开发了一种生酮配方，确保其符合生酮比例（1:1至4:1）。由神经科医生、营养师、家长和儿童进行感官评价，以评估味道、质地和可接受性。微生物安全性和营养分析确保符合饮食要求。
所开发的生酮配方在所有组中都表现出很高的可接受性，神经科医生、营养师、家长和儿童给出的享乐评分分别为8.8、8.6、8.4和8.2。微生物检测确认了安全性，未检测到病原菌。营养分析确认符合饮食标准，能量含量为564.99千卡，脂肪含量为37.99克，蛋白质含量为9.1克，碳水化合物含量为46.67克。在不使用任何防腐剂的情况下，所开发的生酮配方在为期6个月的保质期研究中也保持了其质量和安全性。
本研究成功开发了一种符合当地文化、具有成本效益的生酮配方，解决了资源有限环境中癫痫管理的障碍。其高可接受性、安全性和适应性表明其具有广泛应用的潜力。未来的临床试验将评估其长期疗效和更广泛的适用性。
