A modified version of the Atkins diet, which limits carbohydrates and enhances fat consumption, is an effective therapy for children suffering from epileptic seizures, researchers at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center said.

This diet has relatively good efficacy compared to the highly restricted ketogenic diet (a strict regimen that mimics effects of starvation), said Dr Eric Kossoff, a paediatric neurologist at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. “With 20 patients, our study wasn’t large enough to say patients and physicians should replace the proven ketogenic diet, but the results are encouraging,” he added.

The common elements in both diets are relatively high fat and low carbohydrate foods that alter the body’s chemistry. In the ketogenic diet, the body first uses up glucose and glycogen before burning stored body fat. In the absence of glucose, the body produces ketones, a chemical by-product of fat that can inhibit seizures.

The ketogenic diet, however, has several drawbacks. It requires accurate measurement of all foods to ensure consumption of the proper ratio of fats, carbohydrates and protein necessary to produce ketones. The diet starts with a brief fast and hospital stay during which time families are trained in the diet’s rigours.

The modified Atkins diet also produces ketones, but requires no restrictions on calories, fluids and protein, and does not require a hospital stay and fast. It also does away with accurate measurement of foods, which may translate to better compliance with the regimen.

3 other conditions averted by atkins diet

1: The Atkins diet is more effective than a traditional low-fat diet at helping people shed unwanted pounds, according to two studies in the New England Journal of Medicine. Contrary to popular belief, the Atkins approach ? which encourages consumption of high-fat and high-protein foods and discourages consumption of carbohydrates ? doesn’t boost cholesterol levels.

2: It can be a component in reducing hypertension. A high-fat, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, paired with nutritional supplementation, can be helpful in normalising blood sugar, promoting weight loss and reducing other cardiovascular risk factors associated with this condition.

3: A low-carbohydrate, calorie-restricted diet can help people with Type 2 diabetes get their blood sugar under control, according to US researchers. At least in the short run, the diet may help patients avoid having to take insulin to control their disease.