Keto For Kids: Is It Safe Or Not?

The ketogenic diet, or keto, is a popular weight loss trend that involves eating a high-fat, low-carb diet. While it may be a good option for adults, many experts say that it is not safe for children and teens. The keto diet is extremely restrictive and can lead to nutritional deficiencies, disordered eating, and long-term health problems in young people. It can also affect their energy levels and ability to concentrate. Unless it is being used to treat a specific medical condition under the supervision of a health professional, the keto diet is generally not recommended for children and teens.

Keto can lead to nutritional deficiencies in children

The keto diet is a very-low-carb, high-fat diet that has been shown to deliver several health benefits. However, it can be incredibly risky for children and teens. The keto diet removes three of the five food groups that have essential vitamins and minerals that children need for growth.

The keto diet restricts many wholesome fruits, vegetables, and grains, and is therefore missing a lot of nutrients. The diet is particularly low in bone health minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It also often results in a reduction in iron, selenium, zinc, and B vitamins. Nutrient deficiency can cause problems like poor bone health, slowed growth, kidney stones, vomiting, and reflux.

Another key nutrient missing from the keto diet is fibre, which can’t be supplemented because it’s a carbohydrate. Fibre is essential for healthy bowel function and feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut. Not surprisingly, constipation is a common side effect of the keto diet.

The keto diet can also affect a child's energy levels, especially at the beginning of the diet and if they aren't taking supplements. The calories can be way below the amount growing children require, and this can lead to lethargy.

The restrictive nature of the keto diet can also impact a child's relationship with food. Dietitian Rebecca Bergel says the keto diet could create negative associations with food, causing a child to think certain foods like fruit and vegetables are unhealthy—even if they offer important nutrients, fibre, and energy required for optimal growth and development.

It can cause negative associations with food

The keto diet is a very-low-carb, high-fat diet that has been used to treat children with epilepsy and brain cancer. While the diet can be relatively safe for adults, it may not be the best option for children and teens unless prescribed by a health professional for specific medical reasons.

The keto diet is not recommended for weight loss in children because it restricts carbohydrates, and children need carbs to be mentally and physically active. Carbohydrates provide energy and important nutrients that are essential for growth and development.

One concern with the keto diet for children is that it could create negative associations with food. Dietitian Rebecca Bergel explains that the keto diet could cause a child to think that certain foods like fruits and vegetables are unhealthy, even though they offer important nutrients, fibre, and energy required for optimal growth and development.

The keto diet is very restrictive, and children on this diet would have to avoid many healthy foods such as grains, fruits, starchy vegetables, and even some proteins. This could lead to negative associations with these foods and cause children to view them as "bad" or "unhealthy." For example, a child on the keto diet may be told that they cannot have a piece of birthday cake or pizza, which could create a negative association with these foods and make them feel like they are missing out on enjoyable experiences.

In addition, the keto diet may impact a child's cultural experience when eating with peers and family. It may be challenging for a child to participate in family meals or social events where food is involved if they are restricted to a very limited range of foods. This could also lead to feelings of isolation or a sense that they are missing out on enjoyable experiences.

Furthermore, the keto diet may not be sustainable in the long term due to its restrictiveness. Restricting any type of food will likely lead to cravings and may cause children to overindulge when given the chance. This could create a cycle of restriction and binging, which is not a healthy relationship with food.

Therefore, it is important for parents to be cautious and consult with a healthcare professional before placing their children on a restrictive diet like keto. It is crucial to ensure that the child's nutritional needs are being met and that they are not developing negative associations with food, which could have long-lasting impacts on their relationship with food and their overall health.

Keto is not recommended for weight loss in children

The ketogenic diet is a very-low-carb, high-fat diet that has been shown to deliver several health benefits. However, keto is not recommended for weight loss in children. Here are several reasons why:

Firstly, the keto diet is highly restrictive and removes essential food groups that are vital for growth and development. The diet limits carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy, and children need energy to be mentally and physically active. Carbohydrates also provide important nutrients such as fibre, vitamins, and minerals. For instance, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are excellent sources of dietary fibre, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These nutrients are essential for growth, healthy bowel function, and maintaining steady blood sugar levels. Restricting these food groups can lead to nutritional deficiencies and adverse side effects, such as constipation, lethargy, and impaired growth.

Secondly, the keto diet can negatively impact a child's relationship with food and their overall health. Restrictive diets can lead to unhealthy behaviours and disordered eating, which can result in eating disorders. The keto diet may also affect a child's cultural experience when eating with peers and family, as it limits their food choices. Additionally, the diet can be challenging to sustain in the long term, especially for children who should be allowed to enjoy treats and indulge on special occasions.

Thirdly, the keto diet was not designed for weight loss. It was originally developed in the 1920s to control seizures in children with epilepsy and has since been used to treat other medical conditions such as brain cancer. When used for medical reasons, the keto diet should be carefully monitored by a healthcare professional to ensure the child's safety and well-being. However, for weight loss purposes, the risks of the keto diet outweigh the benefits for children.

Finally, there are alternative approaches to promoting a healthy weight in children that do not involve restrictive diets. Instead of focusing on weight loss, the goal should be to teach children healthy lifestyle choices and techniques. This includes encouraging physical activity, reducing processed foods and added sugars, and offering a variety of nutritious whole foods. It is important to provide children with a well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs and supports their growth and development.

It can cause side effects like constipation and lethargy

The keto diet is a very-low-carb, high-fat diet that has been used to treat epilepsy and brain cancer in children. While the diet is relatively safe for adults, it may not be the case for children and teens unless prescribed by a health professional for medical reasons. The keto diet is not recommended for weight loss in children as it restricts carbohydrates, which are important for children to be mentally and physically active. Carbohydrates provide energy and important nutrients that are required for growth and development.

The keto diet can cause side effects in children, such as constipation and lethargy. Constipation occurs due to the lack of fibre in the diet, which is essential for healthy bowel function. Fibre is a carbohydrate, so it cannot be supplemented while on the keto diet. The "keto flu" is another side effect that includes symptoms such as headaches, brain fog, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms are not officially recognised by medicine but are commonly reported by people adjusting to the diet.

The keto diet can also affect a child's focus and concentration and cause nutritional deficiencies, leading to high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, weak bones, and kidney stones. The risk of side effects is higher in children and adolescents as their growing bodies are more susceptible to dietary changes. Therefore, the keto diet is not recommended for healthy children and teens unless medically necessary.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially for children, to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their individual needs.

Keto may be appropriate for children with epilepsy

The ketogenic diet was initially created in the 1920s as a treatment for epilepsy. While it is not recommended for weight loss in children, it may be appropriate for children with epilepsy under medical supervision.

The keto diet is a very-low-carb, high-fat diet that puts the body into a state of ketosis, where fat is burned for energy instead of carbohydrates. The diet is typically carefully monitored by a physician, registered nurse, and registered dietitian. Before starting the diet, a registered dietitian is consulted to determine the child's nutritional needs and establish a meal plan. The diet is usually followed for about two years and is sometimes transitioned to a modified Atkins diet afterward to allow for more flexibility.

Several studies have shown that the keto diet can be effective in reducing seizures in children with epilepsy. In some cases, children have seen a 50% reduction in the number of seizures, and some have even become seizure-free. The anti-seizure effects of the keto diet are thought to be the result of several factors, including reduced brain excitability, enhanced energy metabolism, and brain antioxidant effects.

The keto diet can be challenging for children and families, and it is not recommended as the first step to treating epilepsy. It is usually prescribed only if a variety of easier treatment regimens, such as anti-seizure medications, have not worked. The diet is strict, and parents must weigh and measure everything the child eats. The severity of the restriction can lead to nutritional deficiencies, and the change in body processes can cause side effects such as constipation, low appetite, and nausea.

Overall, while the keto diet may be appropriate for children with epilepsy under careful medical supervision, it is not recommended as a weight-loss method for healthy children and teens.

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