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Potential Micronutrient Deficiencies Associated With the Ketogenic Diet
Online CourseA ketogenic (keto) diet is a carbohydrate-restricted food plan in which carb intake is kept to between five and ten percent of dietary calories, with the balance consisting of relatively high fat and moderate protein intake. The keto diet can induce a nutritional state of ketosis, where ketones are used for energy rather than glucose. Many clinicians have begun using the ketogenic diet to help treat conditions such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cognitive decline, and other neurological disorders, with promising results. However, research suggests that a therapeutic keto diet may carry a higher risk for micronutrient depletion.
The Potential Micronutrient Deficiencies Associated With the Ketogenic Diet course discusses the potential micronutrients shortfalls within the three main styles of the keto diet: classic, modified Atkins, and low carb. Clinicians will explore specific nutrients that may be at risk and increase awareness of the potential symptoms associated with micronutrient deficiency. Walking through several diverse patient case presentations, this course will help clinicians decide whether lifestyle change, nutritional interventions, or further nutrient testing may be required.
Monitoring the micronutrient levels and overall response of patients while on the keto diet is an important consideration for personalized care.
This free online learning module offers:
- A brief discussion of the ketogenic diet and three of its therapeutic applications.
- Clinical awareness of potential nutrient depletion common with the diet.
- A focus on matching common symptoms to potential nutrient deficiencies.
- Additional functional medicine resources, including patient and clinician-facing resources.
Read more about how functional medicine incorporates a therapeutic keto diet for certain conditions in the following IFM-authored articles:
Type 2 Diabetes & the Ketogenic Diet
Neurodegenerative Disease: Improving Outcomes Through Nutrition
Topics:
Additional Information
What Clinicians Will Learn
By the end of this brief course, clinicians will be able to:
- Increase their awareness around potential signs and symptoms of micronutrient deficiencies that may be associated with the use of the ketogenic diet.
- Understand the macronutrient distribution ranges commonly associated with the ketogenic diet as a therapy or as a weight loss method.
- Identify useful lab analytes that may indicate common micronutrient deficiencies.
- Create treatment plans to replete selected micronutrients using food sources.
Who Should Take This Course?
A multimodal approach to assessing physiological dysfunction is a critical first step in addressing the root causes of disease. This course is intended for licensed healthcare practitioners who order and interpret labs, and counsel patients on nutrition within the scope of their practice. Assessing the nutrient status of patients is an important skill for many care providers, even those who may not order labs. All care team members can benefit from learnings in this course such as:
- Nurse practitioners
- Nutrition professionals (RD, CNS, CN, and others with advanced degrees from accredited universities)
- Pharmacists
- Physician assistants
- Physicians (MDs, NDs, DOs, DCs)
- Registered nurses
This course provides a new perspective on assessing and treating thyroid dysfunction from a systems-based approach. We encourage you to share this course with other colleagues in your field.
Course Access and Expiration
- Your course will be delivered electronically to your online account directly upon purchase.
- You will have access to the course for 60 days from the date of purchase.
- Given the nature of digital items, refunds or credits on this purchase are not permitted.