Nutritional aspects

With evidence pointing to the efficacy of therapeutic carbohydrate restriction (TCR), official protocols for implementation into clinical practice are required. During the metabolic transition from a high-carbohydrate to a TCR diet, clinical considerations and patient guidance are required. Aside from the formulation and prescription of TCR, clinicians must be familiar with the precautions, assessment, and monitoring of clinical outcomes associated with this intervention. Nutritional ketosis is a physiological ketosis of the fed state with specific biochemical and nutritional aspects that must be taken into account in TCR. Understanding this metabolic state, as well as the biochemistry and physiology of ketone metabolism, is critical. When prescribing TCR, the clinician must also understand the context of nutrient requirements, as well as the differences between animal and plant nutrition. This chapter discusses the most important nutritional aspects to consider and comprehend when prescribing TCR.