Energy for the brain
The brain is one of the body's most energy-demanding organs. It usually uses glucose as fuel, but with a ketogenic diet it can use ketone bodies instead.
Glucose – the usual fuel
The brain needs continuous energy and normally gets this from glucose, which comes from carbohydrates in food. In GLUT1 deficiency syndrome, the transport of glucose from the blood into the brain is reduced, and the brain may get too little energy.
Ketone bodies step in as a reservoir
When the body is in ketosis, the liver produces ketone bodies that can cross the blood-brain barrier. The brain can use these as energy instead of glucose. This is the basis for ketogenic treatment for GLUT1 and several other conditions.
Stable energy over time
For the brain to have steady access to ketone bodies, ketosis must be maintained stably. This means meals must be planned and calculated accurately, and that unexpected carbohydrates can disrupt the energy supply.