Kids on Atkins Diet

While children can follow a ketogenic diet, such as the Atkins diet, caregivers must carefully evaluate their reason for restricting carbohydrates in a child. Though not essential for growth, carbohydrates provide energy, which is important for a growing child. Never place a child on a diet without first consulting with his pediatrician.

Atkins

The Atkins diet is an attempt to control caloric intake by limiting the intake of non-fibrous carbohydrates. Other forms of carbohydrates get converted to glycogen, or sugar, which the body burns in preference to fat. To burn more fat by limiting both calories and carbohydrates, you can achieve the state of dietary ketosis. Ketosis -- the burning of ketones, or fatty acids, for fuel -- allows you to run on fat as your primary energy source.

Children and Ketosis

The most common use of a ketogenic diet such as the Atkins diet is in the treatment of epilepsy. This approach is utilized by various clinics and has been used by the Mayo Clinic department of neurology, including in the treatment of children. Children have followed the ketogenic diet for periods of up to one year without ill effects, according to a 2009 study published in "Seizure."

Maintaining the Diet

Even after your child achieves ketosis, you must work to help him maintain it: He should consume no grains, cereals, breads, fruits, soda or other liquids that contain any form of carbohydrate, including milk. This is a highly restrictive restrictive dietary practice that a caregiver must take into account. You cannot send your child off with a sandwich or fruit, and you must carefully ensure your child adheres to the protocol when he is out of your sight. Consumption of carbohydrates results in the burning of glycogen, and achieving ketosis after you have eaten carbohydrates can sometimes take a bit of work.

Precautions

Ensure your child enjoys regular activity -- such as sports or trips to the playground. The Atkins diet also limits fruit and vegetable intake, so your child will not get enough vitamins and minerals, which are critical for adults but even more so for a growing child. You may wish to supplement with a multi-vitamin after discussing the issue with your child's pediatrician. The lack of carbohydrates results in a depletion of stored glycogen and of water. Your child will dehydrate faster and make more frequent trips to the bathroom. Ensure any child on the Atkins diet drinks an extra 64 oz. of water a day.