As one of the world’s most common neurological disorders1, epilepsy has a storied history of treatments and purported cures through the years. For patients with difficult to treat epilepsy, digital tools are proving to be an enabler for nutritional care.
The ketogenic diet, defined by its focus on a low-carb, high-fat intake, has been used for over a century as an option to treat epilepsy. Until the 1920s, it was the preferred course of action – since then anti-epileptic drugs were introduced and took precedence.
Today, the ketogenic diet is recognized as a valid option for the treatment and management of patients whose epilepsy does not respond to drugs, offering an effective way to achieve seizure reduction or seizure freedom. Research shows that 30-40% of patients are unresponsive to medication2 for this disorder and for families with epileptic children in particular, the diet can prove an effective way of managing the condition.
The dietary management of refractory epilepsy demands highly specialized, multi-disciplinary care and requires patients and carers to calculate a patient’s nutritional intake meticulously. At Danone, we recognize the positive impact nutrition can have on patient’s lives, we believe digital technology that is integrated into nutritional care positively contributes to improved health outcomes and quality of life.
That is why our Nutricia experts develop digital tools like MyKetoPlanner, building on years of research into nutrition and its impact on illnesses. Providing useful information about foods, nutrients, combinations and even ways to prepare and organize the diet plan – the tool marries the latest in digital development with long-standing dietary practice to provide each patient a unique way to managing their condition.
[1] The global Campaign against Epilepsy. Geneva. World Health Organization 2000. (Information pack for the launch of the Global Campain's Second Phase. 12-15 February2001).
[2] Kwan P et al. Early identification of refractory epilepsy. N Engl J Med 2000:342;314-319.