Impact of L-carnitine Supplementation on Children on a Ketogenic Diet
Study Overview
The ketogenic diet (KD) is high in fat, moderate in protein, and low in carbohydrates. This diet can affect how the stomach empties and how quickly food moves through the intestines.
Purpose of the Trial
The main goal of this clinical trial was to see how L-carnitine supplementation affects stomach emptying in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) who are on a KD. A secondary goal was to evaluate how L-carnitine impacts bowel function and habits.
Participants
Thirty children aged 12 months to 18 years, who were newly diagnosed with DRE and starting a KD, participated in the study. They were either outpatients at the Pediatric Clinical Nutrition and Neurology Clinics or inpatients at the Pediatric Neurology Department, Ain Shams University, Egypt.
Study Design
Participants were randomly divided into two groups:
- Group I: Received KD with L-carnitine supplementation.
- Group II: Received KD only.
Assessments Conducted
Patients were evaluated at the start and after 3 months of following the KD. Assessments included:
- 24-hour dietary recall
- Seizure severity scale
- Gastrointestinal symptoms score
- Bristol stool chart
- Weekly defecation frequency
- Anthropometric measurements
- Serum lipid profile
- Ultrasound measurement of antral length
Key Findings
Children who received L-carnitine showed:
- A significant increase in antral length compared to those who did not receive it.
- A negative correlation between antral length and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- A positive correlation between antral length and stool frequency, specifically in the L-carnitine group.
Conclusion
L-carnitine supplementation significantly improves gastric motility and increases bowel movement frequency in children with DRE on a KD. Further studies are encouraged to explore additional benefits, and it is advisable to recommend L-carnitine for these patients.
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