Could a High-Fat diet help heal injured brains in kids?
NCT ID NCT02174016
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tests whether a ketogenic diet—a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet—is safe and feasible for children in the pediatric ICU with acute brain injuries like stroke or traumatic brain injury. The idea is that after injury, the brain may struggle to use sugar for energy, so the diet aims to switch the body to burning fat instead. Researchers will monitor for side effects and measure ketone levels in the blood and brain.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
ketogenic diet (high fat, low carbohydrate tube-feeds)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new way to support brain recovery after injury in children by providing an alternative fuel source.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early pilot study with only 5-10 children, so results may not apply to everyone. The diet can cause side effects like low blood sugar or acidosis, and the trial is currently suspended.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States