Scientists studied how a high-fat, low-carb diet called the ketogenic diet affects the brain in a rare form of childhood epilepsy called infantile epileptic spasms syndrome. Using lab mice as a model, they found that this special diet changed proteins in a brain area called the hippocampus in ways that might help brain cells connect better and work more efficiently. The diet appeared to reduce brain inflammation and improve how brain cells use energy, which could explain why it sometimes helps children with this severe form of epilepsy when medications don’t work.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How a high-fat, low-carb ketogenic diet affects brain proteins in a mouse model of a rare, severe childhood epilepsy
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice designed to have symptoms similar to infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (specific numbers not provided)
  • Key finding: The ketogenic diet increased proteins that help brain cells connect and function better while reducing inflammation
  • What it means for you: This research may help explain why ketogenic diets sometimes work for severe childhood epilepsy, but this is early animal research that needs human studies

The Research Details

Researchers used laboratory mice that were modified to have symptoms similar to infantile epileptic spasms syndrome, a rare and severe form of childhood epilepsy. They fed some mice a ketogenic diet (very high fat, very low carbohydrate) and compared them to control mice. The scientists then examined the hippocampus, a brain region important for learning and memory, to see how thousands of different proteins changed with the diet.

This approach allows scientists to study the biological mechanisms of how the ketogenic diet might work in the brain, which is difficult to do directly in children. By looking at protein changes, researchers can identify specific pathways and processes that the diet affects.

This is preliminary research published in a specialized scientific journal. However, it’s an animal study, so the results may not directly translate to humans. The sample size wasn’t specified, which makes it harder to judge the strength of the findings.

What the Results Show

The ketogenic diet caused significant changes in brain proteins related to three main areas. First, it increased proteins involved in synaptogenesis - the process where brain cells form new connections with each other. This is crucial for normal brain development and function. Second, the diet boosted proteins related to mitochondrial function, which are like the power plants of brain cells, helping them produce energy more efficiently. Third, it affected proteins involved in neuroinflammation, suggesting the diet may help reduce harmful brain inflammation that can interfere with normal development.

The researchers noted that these protein changes specifically occurred in the hippocampus and appeared to work together to potentially reduce the negative effects on brain development that typically occur with this type of epilepsy

This study provides new molecular evidence for why ketogenic diets are sometimes effective for severe childhood epilepsy, building on clinical observations that the diet can reduce seizures when medications fail

This was conducted in mice, not humans, so we don’t know if the same protein changes occur in children. The sample size wasn’t reported, and this is preliminary research that needs to be replicated and extended to human studies.

The Bottom Line

Parents should not attempt ketogenic diets for childhood epilepsy without medical supervision, as these diets require careful monitoring and can have side effects. This research is promising but early-stage

Families dealing with severe childhood epilepsy, pediatric neurologists, and researchers studying epilepsy treatments should find this research interesting, but it’s too early for clinical applications

It may take several years of additional research, including human studies, before these findings could lead to new treatments or better understanding of how to use ketogenic diets

Want to Apply This Research?

  • For those already using medically-supervised ketogenic diets, track seizure frequency, cognitive development milestones, and energy levels daily
  • This research doesn’t suggest dietary changes for the general public, but emphasizes the importance of medical supervision for therapeutic diets
  • Long-term tracking should focus on neurological symptoms, developmental progress, and overall health markers under medical guidance

This research was conducted in laboratory animals and should not be used to make dietary decisions for children with epilepsy. Ketogenic diets for medical purposes require strict medical supervision and monitoring. Always consult with a pediatric neurologist before considering any dietary interventions for childhood epilepsy.