Basic concepts
Here is an overview of the most important terms you encounter when learning about medical ketogenic diet.
Ketogenic diet
A diet with very little carbohydrate and high fat content, which makes the body produce ketone bodies.
Ketosis
A state where the body uses ketone bodies as a significant energy source instead of glucose.
Ketone bodies
Molecules (acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetone) produced by the liver from fat, used as energy by among others the brain.
Ratio / keto ratio
The relationship between fat and protein + carbohydrate, expressed as for example 3:1 or 4:1.
Macronutrients
The three main nutrients in food: fat, protein and carbohydrates.
Glucose
Blood sugar, the brain's usual fuel. Transported into the brain via the GLUT1 transporter.
GLUT1
A transport protein that moves glucose from the blood into the brain. In GLUT1 deficiency syndrome, this transport does not function normally.