The name ketogenic means that it produces ketones in the body.

Chemicals called ketones develop when the body uses fat as a source of energy. A ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrates, high-fat, controlled protein diet that is used for the treatment of epilepsy.

This diet might help lessen the frequency and severity of different types of seizures. Some people who follow the diet might stop having seizures altogether.

It is usually considered for children with severe and hard to control seizures that have not responded to several different epileptic medication. However, it may also be beneficial to adults. It is prescribed by a specialist and carefully monitored by a dietitian.