Ketogenic Diet

A ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein dietary approach designed to induce nutritional ketosis — a metabolic state in which the body shifts from glucose to ketone bodies as its primary energy source. Typical macronutrient distribution is approximately 55–60% fat, 30–35% protein, and 5–10% carbohydrates. When daily carbohydrate intake falls below roughly 20 to 50 grams, decreased insulin levels trigger lipolysis and the release of free fatty acids, which the liver converts into ketone bodies (β-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, and acetone) that serve as alternative fuel for the brain, muscles, and other tissues. Originally developed as a therapy for refractory epilepsy in children, the KD is also used and studied in obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and certain neurologic disorders.