Ease of preparation, convenience and reassurance for those with feeding tubes
Managing a Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy with a Feeding Tube
A portion of those who follow the medical ketogenic diet will require an enteral feeding tube to get their nutrition. Using a formula like KetoCal® can make tube feeding easier. Always work with your medical ketogenic diet team when starting or adjusting the medical ketogenic diet for you or your loved one.
Did you Know?
Feeding schedules can remain the same whether you are getting your nutrition through a tube or by mouth.
All-Liquid Medical Ketogenic Diet
An all-liquid medical ketogenic diet for epilepsy can be as effective, if not more, as one based on solid food.1,2Using special ketogenic formulas provides a consistent ketogenic ratio and nutrients without measurement errors, helping to make the ketogenic diet easier to manage.
Why Use KetoCal with a Feeding Tube?
KetoCal formulas come in a variety of ratios including 2.5:1, 3:1 and 4:1 and are available as a ready-to-feed liquid or a powder that you mix with water. This flexibility allows you and your keto dietitian to choose what works best for you.
KetoCal’s ease of preparation, consistent ratio, and nutritional content offers convenience and reassurance for those requiring a feeding tube.
How to Use KetoCal for Tube Feeding
When you’re short on time or have a busy schedule, KetoCal can be prepared consider preparing and planning tube feeds in advance, so you don’t have to worry about preparation throughout the day.
For a pre-mixed ketogenic formula, like KetoCal liquid (LQ), it’s as simple as knowing the amount needed for the day or for each meal, and then opening the container and pouring it into the feeding tube. Remember to always ask questions and learn from your ketogenic healthcare team about the proper way to use a feeding tube.
How to prepare KetoCal powder
Tip! To mix KetoCal powder, be sure to use warm water (112-122°F) to allow the formula to fully reconstitute or dissolve. Once prepared, KetoCal powdered formulas can be stored in a closed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours and remain at room temperature for 4 hours.
References: 1. Kossoff, E. H., et al. (2004). Benefits of an all-liquid ketogenic diet. Epilepsia, 45(9), 1163. 2. Coppola, G., et al. (2010). Ketogenic diet for the treatment of catastrophic epileptic encephalopathies in childhood. European journal of paediatric neurology : EJPN : official journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society, 14(3), 229–234.
KetoCal® is a medical food for the dietary management of intractable epilepsy and is intended for use under medical supervision. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether KetoCal is right for you.
