Abstract

UNDERSTANDING THE BIOCHEMICAL BASIS OF KETOGENIC DIET CONTRAINDICATIONS

Lamiya A.* and Bello B.

Abstract

Ketogenic diet KD is a human diet which is composed of high lipid, very low carbohydrate and adequate protein with the ability to establish nutritional ketosis and stabilize insulin level. This diet regime has for long been used for therapeutic and weight management purposes. But recently, it has gain more popularity in weight management most especially amongst women. Being non pharmacological, most of the users perceive it as completely safe and therefore no need for professional prescription. This review is focused on highlighting some individual specific contraindications and the basis of the contraindications of KD. This nutrition is contraindicated in individuals with fatty acid transport and oxidation due to inability of the fatty acids to be metabolized. It is contraindicated in individuals with pyruvate carboxylase deficiency because hypoglycemia and triacylglyceremia are induced. It is contraindicated in individuals with porphyria due to its ability to induce hypoglycemia which aggravates the symptoms of porphyria. Because of the pivotal role liver and pancreas play in central metabolism, any individual with disorder of these organs cannot adapt to the shift in metabolism induced by KD. Individuals with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes face the problem of ketoacidosis which is aggravated by KD. It is therefore a recommendation that attention of professionals be sought before embarking on the use of KD for all reasons.

Keywords: Biochemical basis; ketogenic diet; non pharmacological; contraindications.