A New Nomenclature for the Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD): Very Low-Energy Ketogenic Therapy (VLEKT). Ketodiets and Nutraceuticals Expert Panels: "KetoNut", Italian Society of Nutraceuticals (SINut) and the Italian Association of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition (ADI).

Abstract

Purpose of review: In an attempt to clarify the most appropriate nomenclature for the very low-calorie ketogenic diets (VLCKD), we propose to change the nomenclature and acronym of this medical nutrition therapy. The new definition and acronym proposed by the "KetoNut" panel of experts of the Italian Society of Nutraceuticals (SINut) and the Italian Association of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition (ADI) is Very Low-Energy Ketogenic Therapy (VLEKT).

Recent findings: In the last few years, different authors have focused on the issue of confusion in the nomenclature of ketogenic diets. In detail, have been differentiated the VLCKD that provides < 800 kcal per day, which is intended for the weight loss in the medical treatment of obesity, and a eucaloric ketogenic diet, which contains more calories from fat (predominantly unsaturated) and with specific ketogenic ratios, for allow growth in children while helping, at the same time, to establish epileptic seizure control. In recent years, ketogenic diets have attracted great interest for their efficacy in the treatment of epilepsy and other neurological diseases but also in patients with overweight and obesity-related metabolic disorders. Nevertheless, although ketogenic diets are a dietary intervention designed to induce nutritional ketosis, different diets with different macronutrients' composition have been called with this name. The confusion in the nomenclature of ketogenic diets may result in significant bias and mistakes in the interpretation of the current scientific evidence.