Genetic influences on ketogenic diet efficacy
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

A Model of Chronic Nutrient Infusion in the Rat
Published on: August 14, 2013
Stacey B B Dutton1, Andrew Escayg
1Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
Abstract:
An average of 15-20% of patients on the ketogenic diet (KD) experience a >50% reduction in seizure frequency; however, 10-40% discontinue the diet due to either a lack of response or adverse side effects. This variability in patient response raises the possibility that genetic factors may influence the efficacy of the KD. As a first step towards identifying these factors, we evaluated the ability of the KD to alter seizure thresholds in four commonly used inbred mouse strains: C57BL/6J, FVB/NJ, A/J, and DBA/2J. We observed strain-specific differences, indicating that genetic factors are likely to influence efficacy.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Metabolism: Overview
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion
Diabetic Ketoacidosis ll: Pathophysiology
Pharmacogenetics of Phase I Enzymes: Cytochrome P450 Isozymes
Principles of Pharmacogenetics: Types of Genetic Variants
