Uncategorized

Dangers of Inadvertent Ketogenic Diet (KD) Intake in Children for Weight Loss

A mother brought her two-year old child for passing large quantities of urine, there was no fever, abdominal pain, pain while passing urine or hematuria. The child was active and skin turgor normal, there being no signs of dehydration. There was no history of polydipsia (increased intake of water).  Urine examination detected a urine ketone level of 2+ (40mg/dL) and a 1+ albuminuria. All other parameters were normal, especially there being no low specific gravity.

Dietary history revealed that the parents were on a paleo-type diet – a low carbohydrate diet eaten by our ancestors. Recently, to live a healthier life they had further reduced the carbohydrates.

On increasing the carbohydrate diet of the child the mother reported a rapid reduction of urine output back to the original. Luckily, this was identified early and halted in time. Remember, ketogenic diet can have adverse effects and Indians tend to copy others ‘successful’ diets without taking professional advice.

We see it even in anti-epileptic medications where they take a ‘successful’ drug used by a neighbour. 

So those who prescribe this diet for weight loss or ‘healthier’ living make sure that it is not being indiscriminately used in their children or other family members.

‘WHAT’S SAUCE FOR THE GOOSE IS NOT NECESSARILY SAUCE FOR THE GANDER’

Reference    

  1. Cioci, A., Rudnick, C., & Ohanisian, L. (2019). Accidental ketosis-induced polyuria in a toddler: a case report. BMC pediatrics19(1), 395. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-019-1785-z