Table 1 Overview of dietary therapy for epilepsy prescription types

Classical ketogenic diet

Prescribed as a fixed ratio of grams of fat:non-fat e.g. 4:1 or 3:1.

All food and fluids must be weighed/measured and provided in the set ratio.

Modified ketogenic diet

Prescribed as a daily dietary macronutrient distribution.

Uses household measures and smartphone applications for monitoring of dietary intake targets.

Modified Atkins® diet

Carbohydrate intake is limited to <30g per day.

Liberal intake of protein, and fats are encouraged.

Uses household measures and smartphone applications to monitor daily carbohydrate intake.

Low Glycaemic Index Diet

Carbohydrate intake is limited to 50g per day with the glycaemic index of <50.

Liberal intake of protein, and fats are encouraged.

Uses household measures and smartphone applications to monitor daily carbohydrate intake

Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) supplements

Used in conjunction with other dietary therapy regimens to improve ketosis, treatment response and/or allow increased protein and/or carbohydrate provision.

Provided at up to 30% of total caloric intake.