Calcium and Phosphorus Balances of Epileptic Children Receiving a Ketogenic Diet.

Abstract

Three epileptic children, 3,7 and 9 years of age, receiving a ketogenic diet were made the subjects of a metabolic study with special reference to the calcium and phosphorus intake and output. The diets furnished approximately 11/2 gm. of protein per kg. of body weight per day, and an energy value sufficient for average activity. The diet of the youngest child contained 2 gm. of potential fatty acid to each gm. of potential glucose. In the diets of the older children this ratio was 2.5:1. Each patient was excreting ketone bodies in considerable quantities and no epileptic symptoms were manifested during the period of observation. The diets were planned to include as much calcium and phosphorus as their limited carbohydrate content would allow, and were composed of cream, meat, eggs, butter and low carbohydrate vegetables and fruits. The usual metabolic procedures were employed.

In each instance the calcium and phosphorus output exceeded the intake, and the usual excess of excretion of calcium and phosphorus in the stools over that in the urine was not found in these cases. There was a great increase in the urinary calcium and phosphorus, the increase of urinary calcium being proportionally greater than the increase of urinary phosphorus. Two of these children while receiving a general diet showed the average retention of calcium and phosphorus and the usual relationship between the stool and urine in the excretion of these minerals. Blood calcium and phosphorus determinations made during each period of metabolic observation were within normal limits.