KetoVie – Nutrition for children with drug-resistant epilepsy

Ajinomoto Vietnam has collaborated with nutrition experts and the Nutrition Department of Children's Hospital 2 to develop a keto meal plan for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

In this collaboration, the Nutrition Department of Children's Hospital 2 is responsible for consulting, evaluating, and ensuring the professionalism of the product; while Ajinomoto Vietnam Company is responsible for developing the recipe, providing detailed cooking instructions, cooking, and tasting to ensure the product is palatable and easy to apply.

For families with children suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy, the treatment journey is sometimes not just a medical battle, but also a desperate struggle to cling to hope. However, in this challenging journey, medicine still has a unique approach: the Keto diet.

Unlike popular dieting trends, the Keto diet for epilepsy treatment is a strict, medically-based nutritional protocol. The mechanism involves shifting the body's primary energy source from sugar to fat, thereby creating ketones – compounds believed to help protect the brain and reduce seizure frequency. For brain protection, a child's diet must contain up to 90% fat, or the standard ratio of 4 parts fat to 1 part protein and carbohydrates.

Fatty ingredients commonly used in keto diets can aid in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy.

For many families, the challenge lies not only in preparing the menu but also in maintaining this diet daily. Fatty meals are often difficult to digest, easily causing nausea, making children afraid to eat or resistant to it. Meanwhile, parents are constantly stressed about measuring each ingredient, worrying about the risk of seizures returning if the diet is not strictly followed.

Based on this reality, Ajinomoto Vietnam has implemented activities to support patients with drug-resistant epilepsy in accessing the Keto diet more conveniently in their daily lives. One of the solutions brought to Vietnam is the KetoVie® 4:1 – Vanilla flavored medical nutritional food product, manufactured by Ajinomoto Cambrooke (Massachusetts, USA).

The formula was developed based on the philosophy of "Nutrition without compromise."

The difference of KetoVie® 4:1 lies in Ajinomoto's in-depth research into "Amino Acid Science ." The product is developed with the aim of supporting adherence to the Keto diet while also focusing on tolerability, palatability, and convenience for users, in line with Ajinomoto's philosophy of "Nutrition Without Compromise."

KetoVie® 4:1 – Vanilla Flavor medical nutritional supplement is being used in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy in the United States.

The product's formula includes several ingredients specifically designed to support the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, following the Keto diet:

Using 100% whey protein, including whey protein concentrate and hydrolyzed whey protein: Whey protein helps improve digestive issues, such as slow stomach emptying and reflux.

• This formula uses Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) fats: MCTs help support the relief of symptoms arising from the keto diet. MCTs are recommended as a supplement in the keto diet.
• Fiber supplementation: Constipation is a common symptom in children treated on the classic keto diet. Adding fiber can help improve constipation.
• Carnitine-enriched formula: Carnitine supports ketone production, thereby contributing to anticonvulsant effects; it also plays an important role in improving gastric motility and increasing bowel frequency.
• Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Formula for Bone Health: Vitamins D, Calcium, Potassium, and Phosphorus: Children with drug-resistant epilepsy are at risk of poor bone health due to prolonged exposure to anti-epileptic drugs. The keto diet does not provide enough vitamin D and calcium and limits fruits and vegetables. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation is recommended in the keto diet, along with other vitamins and minerals.

Formulated with 28 vitamins and minerals: The keto diet has limitations on the amount of fruits and vegetables. Vitamins and minerals are recommended as supplements for children following a keto diet.

KetoVie® 4:1 is a liquid product that can be used as a convenient meal for patients under the supervision of healthcare professionals. With its user-friendly packaging resembling a regular milk carton, the product relieves the burden of weighing and measuring food for mothers, while also helping children overcome feelings of illness and confidently integrate with their peers.

It's not just a product, but a commitment to supporting epilepsy patients.

Adhering to its philosophy of Creating Shared Value (ASV), Ajinomoto Vietnam's strategy for KetoVie® goes beyond commercial supply; it aims to build an ecosystem that supports patients. Ajinomoto Vietnam collaborated with nutrition experts and the Nutrition Department of Children's Hospital 2 to develop a keto meal plan for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. In this collaboration, the Nutrition Department of Children's Hospital 2 is responsible for consulting, evaluating, and ensuring the professional quality of the meal; while Ajinomoto Vietnam is responsible for developing the formula, providing detailed cooking instructions, cooking, and tasting to ensure palatability and ease of application.

The keto diet used to support the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy was developed by Ajinomoto in collaboration with nutrition experts.

In addition, free keto meal preparation classes are held monthly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with the participation of nutrition experts and chefs from Ajinomoto Vietnam. This activity helps parents better understand the therapeutic diet and gain more skills to support their children throughout the long-term treatment process.

Ajinomoto organized a free keto meal preparation class for the families of pediatric patients.

When Ajinomoto's scientific research is guided by a spirit of profound empathy, the company's products transcend ordinary material value to become embodiments of peace and hope.

The partnership with KetoVie® 4:1 is a strong affirmation of Ajinomoto's commitment to improving the quality of life for vulnerable groups, contributing to building a healthy and happy future for Vietnam, in line with the company's mission: " To contribute to the health and happiness of the people and society of Vietnam through providing quality products and valuable innovations based on 'AminoScience'."

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Source: https://tienphong.vn/ketovie-dinh-duong-cho-tre-dong-kinh-khang-thuoc-post1845236.tpo