Today, keto is one of the most popular diets for weight loss and health improvement. But some parents are turning the keto diet into a family tradition, forcing their children to stick to a strict diet. But is it safe?
In short, no. The keto diet was originally created to prevent seizures in patients with epilepsy. In studies from the 1920s, diet had nothing to do with weight loss, and her diet consisted primarily of butter, whipped cream, vegetable oils, and mayonnaise.
“In my opinion, keto is not safe for children without medical supervision,” says Helen Lowe, a dietitian for the ketogenic diet program at SickKids. She treats children with epilepsy with a keto diet, but only after a thorough medical examination.
“We look at all the possible side effects and monitor them very closely,” she says.
Patients should undergo regular examinations: blood tests, ultrasounds, etc. to monitor growth and nutrient intake. In addition, the team usually treats children who have already tried two or more antiepileptic drugs.
“We would not recommend putting kids on a ketogenic diet unless medically indicated,” Lowe says.
Side effects
In the long term, things like constipation - due to a lack of fiber in the diet - and deficiencies in nutrients such as magnesium, vitamins B, C and D, and calcium are possible.
Also one of the most talked about side effects of keto is the so-called keto flu, which includes headaches, fatigue, irritability, trouble sleeping, etc. Overall, this is clearly not something you would like to expose your children to.
Besides the physical side effects, diet can have a psychological effect on children.
Nutritionist Rebecca Bergel says that keto can create negative associations with food, making a child think certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are unhealthy, even though they contain important nutrients, fiber, and energy needed for optimal growth and development for a child.
She adds that it is both dishonest and unrealistic to expect children to give up treats like birthday cake. Limiting any type of food will eventually lead to the child becoming overly addicted to prohibited foods as soon as the opportunity arises.
