 The ketogenic diet is not a benign , holistic or natural treatment for epilepsy ; as with any serious medical therapy , there may be complications . These are generally less severe and less frequent than with anticonvulsant medication or surgery . Common but easily treatable short @-@ term side effects include constipation , low @-@ grade acidosis and hypoglycaemia if there is an initial fast . Raised levels of lipids in the blood affect up to 60 % of children and cholesterol levels may increase by around 30 % . This can be treated by changes to the fat content of the diet , such as from saturated fats towards polyunsaturated fats , and , if persistent , by lowering the ketogenic ratio . Supplements are necessary to counter the dietary deficiency of many micronutrients . 
