Clinical trial Recruiting at 3 sites Observational Ages Any age to 18

Evaluating the ketogenic diet's effects on children with various conditions

Official title: Clinical and Nutritional Effectiveness and Impact on the Quality of Life of the Ketogenic Diet in Pediatric Patients With Neurological, Genetic or Metabolic Disorders: a Multicenter Prospective Observational Study

Run by Danone Nutricia SpA Società Benefit · NCT06309251 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if the ketogenic diet can help children with conditions like epilepsy, autism, migraines, and brain tumors feel better and grow properly.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
AgesAny age to 18 Years
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorDanone Nutricia SpA Società Benefit
Industry-sponsored
Locations3 sites (Milan, MI and 2 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 1, 2022
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2025
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedSeptember 3, 2025
Trial IDNCT06309251 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include pediatric patients under 18 years with drug-resistant epilepsy or other genetic, metabolic, or neurological conditions that require a ketogenic diet.

Probably not a fit

Patients with specific metabolic disorders affecting ketone metabolism or those with type 1 diabetes may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the clinical and nutritional effectiveness of the ketogenic diet (KD) in pediatric patients with conditions such as drug-resistant epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, chronic migraine, and brain tumors. It will explore whether KD supports adequate growth, improves clinical symptoms, and impacts the quality of life. Participants will be monitored according to standard clinical practices, focusing on both the effectiveness of KD and its nutritional implications. The study seeks to fill gaps in existing research regarding the broader applications of KD beyond epilepsy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how the ketogenic diet can enhance the quality of life and clinical outcomes for children with various neurological and metabolic conditions.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for the ketogenic diet in treating drug-resistant epilepsy, but this study aims to explore its effects in a broader range of conditions, making it a novel approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pediatric patients (aged \< 18 years) with drug-resistant epilepsy (fail to achieve (and maintain) seizure freedom with adequate trials of two or more antiseizure medications) or genetic, metabolic, neurological (congenital and acquired) diseases treated with ketogenic diet
* Pediatric patients (aged \< 18 years) with metabolic, genetic or neurological (congenital and acquired) diseases (not necessarily associated with drug-resistant epilepsy) treated with ketogenic diet; this includes the new KD indications or the administration of KD in the ICU for status epilepticus.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients affected by beta-oxidation cycle disorders, systemic primary carnitine deficiency, primary dyslipidemia, pyruvate carboxylase deficiency, porphyria, mitochondrial disease, defects in ketone body metabolism (ketogenesis or ketolysis), defect in gluconeogenesis.
* Children with type 1 diabetes
* Parents (or caregivers) unable to guarantee adherence to the

Where it's running

  • ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco (PO "V. Buzzi")
    Milan, Mi, Italy
    Recruiting
  • Fondazione "Istituto Neurologico Nazionale C. Mondino"
    Pavia, Pv, Italy
    Recruiting
  • Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù
    Roma, Rm, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.