The Effects of Low-Carbohydrate Dietary Intervention on the SLC6A1-Related Epilepsy : A Case Series
Abstract number :
3.455
Submission category :
10. Dietary Therapies (Ketogenic, Atkins, etc.)
Year :
2025
Submission ID :
1446
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/8/2025 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Authors :
Presenting Author: Deok Soo Kim, MD – Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine
Shinyoung Jang, MD – Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine
Heung Dong Kim, MD – Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine
Rationale: The mutations in the SLC6A1 gene, which encodes the GABA transporter protein type 1, are increasingly recognized as a cause of neurodevelopmental disorders accompanied by epilepsy. The seizures are often refractory to antiseizure medications. We aimed to investigate the clinical response of a low-carbohydrate diet in patients with SLC6A1-related epilepsy.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed five patients with genetically confirmed SLC6A1 mutations and epilepsy. All patients had intractable epilepsy with ongoing seizures despite multiple antiseizure medications and subsequently underwent a low-carbohydrate diet treatment, such as modified Atkins diet or low glycemic index treatment. We assessed seizure frequency and tolerability with the dietary intervention.
Results: All five patients demonstrated a reduction in seizure frequency of more than 50% and good tolerability following the initiation of low-carbohydrate dietary intervention. The dietary intervention did not cause any significant adverse reactions in any of patients. In addition, two patients demonstrated improved attention and behavioral regulation.
Conclusions: This case series suggests that low-carbohydrate dietary interventions may offer a promising therapeutic option for seizure control in patients with SLC6A1-related epilepsy. Further studies with larger populations are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and broader applicability.
Funding: There was no funding.
Dietary Therapies (Ketogenic, Atkins, etc.)