Precision Ketogenic Therapy Prescription Implementation Tools

Anna Walls

Authors:  Anna Walls, Peggy Borum Ph.D.

Faculty Mentor: Peggy Borum Ph.D.

College:  College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Abstract

The research conducted in Dr. Peggy Borum’s lab at the University of Florida is focused on Precision Ketogenic Therapy (PKT) as a treatment for epilepsy. PKT uses low carbohydrate, personalized recipes to provide the nutrient requirements of the patient with foods preferred by that individual. Many patients on PKT have experienced decreased seizure load, and it is thought that PKT has the possibility to help other patients in clinics across the country. Clinicians and patients considering PKT often have two main concerns; PKT recipes are too time consuming to create, and the diet itself is too restrictive and boring to maintain long-term. To address these two concerns, two cookbooks were created: a 2.5:1 ratio cookbook and 4:1 ratio cookbook. These cookbooks display diversity in ingredients with the incorporation of 17 different USDA food groups. They can also be used by both clinicians and families to simplify the process of meal making. As precision medicine takes on a larger role in the future of patient care, a tool such as the PKT cookbook is important because it addresses the concerns of patients and clinicians while still providing the precision that is critical to patient care.

Poster Pitch

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Poster

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7 Responses
  1. Sarah

    Hi Anna, this is such a cool project. I love how you created the cookbooks to address patient concerns.

  2. Chris Najjoum

    Hey Anna, that was a great presentation and poster! The cookbooks are a very cool and creative idea to help people with this diet. Were you able to see some of the effects from the keto diet on patients with epilepsy?

    1. Anna Walls

      Hey Chris! Thank you for your feedback! I have been working in this lab for almost 3 years, so I have had the chance to see many patients improve while on PKT. While we have some patients that become seizure free, not all patients respond to the treatment so it is an area of ongoing research.

  3. Dominika Burbul

    Hey Anna!
    I have heard of the keto diet and its benefits for those with epilepsy, but I would love to learn more. What is the age range of patients that you typically work with? Do patients follow this diet for the rest of their lives?
    Great poster, and I can’t wait for your response!

    1. Anna Walls

      Hi Dominika! At UF, we have both adult and pediatrics on PKT. We do have long-term adherence from patients who respond well but for various reasons there are also patients who request to be weaned off the diet.