Ketogenic Diet Protocol — Research Protocol
⚠️ RESEARCH SUMMARY — NOT A TREATMENT PROTOCOL. Discuss all findings with your healthcare provider.
Published research has investigated therapeutic ketogenic dietary approaches for cancer and neurological conditions. These research protocols differ substantially from commercial weight-loss diets and involve medical supervision. Dosing regimens in published literature vary. This page summarizes published research protocols. It is not a guide for self-treatment. Discuss any treatment decisions with your physician.
Research Dosing (from Published Studies)
| Context | Dose | Route | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glioblastoma adjunctive (research) | Dietary macronutrient ratios vary — consult the cited studies for details | Dietary | Continuous with medical monitoring in cited trials | Published research has investigated various ketogenic ratios alongside standard treatment. See cited trials for specific parameters investigated. |
| Alzheimer's / MCI (BEAM trial) | Dietary macronutrient ratios vary — consult the cited studies for details | Dietary | See cited trial duration | The BEAM trial investigated a modified Atkins approach. Published studies have investigated various dietary approaches. See cited trial for specific parameters. |
| ALS feasibility research | Dietary macronutrient ratios vary — consult the cited studies for details | Dietary | Continuous with calorie supplementation in cited trials | Feasibility studies have investigated high-fat modified ketogenic approaches in ALS, noting the challenge of maintaining caloric intake. See cited studies for details. |
Pharmacokinetics
Ketosis onset: 2-7 days after carb restriction. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is the primary circulating ketone body (70% of total). BHB crosses the blood-brain barrier via MCT1 transporter. Brain uptake increases 5-10x during sustained ketosis.
Safety Profile
Generally safe with medical supervision. Common: 'keto flu' (1-2 weeks), constipation, kidney stones (2-6% with prolonged use). Monitor: lipid panel (variable effects), bone density with prolonged use, growth in children.
Contraindications
- Fatty acid oxidation disorders
- Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency
- Porphyria
- Severe liver failure
- Pancreatitis (current)
Monitoring Parameters
- Blood ketones (BHB) — daily initially, then weekly
- Blood glucose — daily initially
- Fasting lipid panel — baseline, 1-month, 3-month
- Renal function and uric acid
- Body composition / weight — weekly