For this review, information has been gathered from various studies on the dietary management of epileptic disease, to determine if glucose metabolism in epileptic areas of the brain can be affected due to the subject’s nutritional intake. The studies have had humans, dogs, and rodents as subjects, and have evaluated their specific nutritional needs as they are likely to benefit from auxiliary brain fuels other than glucose. Data shows in 50% of people who follow a ketogenic diet (ketone bodies acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate) there has been a seizure frequency reduction. Other auxiliary brain energy that can possibly function as an anticonvulsant are medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which provide the medium chain fatty acids octanoic and decanoic acid.

This promising adjunct for humans, dogs and rodents diagnosed with epilepsy does not seem to have central nervous system side effects with current anti-epileptic drugs. While the ideal dose of MCTs has not yet been established, there is a clear need for more clinical trials in humans and dogs.