[Dietary therapy of epilepsy]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Dietary Therapy

Background:

• Ketogenic diets (KD) adoption in Japan lagged behind the USA and Korea, potentially due to dietary preferences and established therapies like ACTH for West syndrome.
• The dramatic efficacy of KD for glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome (Glut-1DS) observed in 2003 marked a turning point for KD acceptance in Japan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the delayed reappraisal and subsequent acceptance of ketogenic diets (KD) in Japan.
• To highlight the evolving role of KD, including newer formulations, in treating various neurological conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and clinical observations on the use of ketogenic diets in Japan.
• Comparison of KD acceptance and application in Japan versus Western countries.

Main Results:

• KD, particularly newer versions like modified Atkins diet (mAD), are gaining traction in Japan for epilepsy treatment.
• KD demonstrate potential as causal therapies for Glut-1DS and mitochondrial disorders, and can alleviate seizures in complex epilepsies.

Conclusions:

• Ketogenic diets are recognized as effective treatments for specific neurological disorders, including epilepsy syndromes and Glut-1DS.
• Emerging research suggests KD's potential utility in brain tumors, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases, with novel lipid-based therapies under development.