Alternative diets among adolescents: facts or fads?

Abstract

Purpose of review With rising rates of chronic noninfectious diseases across the United States thought to be associated with the average American diet, many have adopted alternative diets. Most of these diets promise weight reduction via adherence to strict dietary guidelines, often removing certain types of food. With access to a plethora of information online, it is easy for adolescents to become confused when making dietary decisions. Although these diets promise benefits, it is important to understand common shortcomings and how to overcome them for safe implementation among adolescents. Recent findings This review discusses the theory, implementation, and risks associated with intermittent fasting as well as vegetarian, vegan, ketogenic, Atkins, Paleolithic, and Mediterranean diets. These considerations are further modified for pediatric populations with a focus on the social influences on dieting. Summary Although these diets may be promising, successful adherence to them requires addressing possible shortcomings associated with a certain diet. Pediatricians should be aware of how these dietary strategies may be properly implemented in order to prevent any harm to the patient. Empowering the patient and their families through informational resources is recommended. Pediatricians should also discuss motivations underlying their patient's dietary changes in order to determine whether these motivations are healthy.

Obesity and malnutrition in children and adults: A clinical review

“…The comprehension of the nutritional status of children and adults with obesity is crucial for healthcare providers to identify potential deficiencies before prescribing weight reduction diets [ 3 ]. Despite low-carb, intermittent fasting, ketogenic, and very low-calorie diets being superior in assisting with medical weight reduction, they also have the highest risk of exacerbating nutrient deficiencies [ [31] , [32] , [33] , [34] , [35] , [36] , [37] , [38] , [39] , [40] , [41] , [42] , [43] , [44] , [45] , [46] , [47] , [48] , [49] , [50] , [51] , [52] , [53] , [54] , [55] , [56] , [57] ]. A summary of the diets and their impact on weight reduction and micronutrient deficiencies are outlined in Table 2 .…”

“…The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate protein, and carbohydrate-restricted diet that has gained popularity for its potential to promote weight reduction [ 32 , 51 ]. In the first two weeks of the diet, individuals typically experience rapid weight reduction due to the depletion of water and glycogen stores [ 32 , 51 ]. Long-term studies must evaluate the efficacy of the ketogenic diet.…”

“…Ketogenic diets, without adequate counseling and monitoring, can lead to severe malnutrition [ 32 , 51 ]. The ketogenic diet limits the intake of fortified carbohydrates, leading to limited thiamine intake [ 32 , 51 ]. A case study reported an adolescent with Wernicke's encephalopathy after losing 100 lbs.…”

The Role of Ketogenic Diet in the Management of Diabetes and Overcome it’s Eff ect: A Review

“…which can also called as "keto flu". 40 Fatty liver, hypoproteinemia, kidney stoneand minerals and vitamin deficit are each long-term side effects. In a study published in Nutrients, researchers discovered that while on a low-carb diet, high-fat, indulging in a high-sugar indulgence (like a large bottle of soda) can actually harm blood vessels.…”

Assessment of Nutritional Status in the Diagnostic Evaluation of the Child with Growth Failure

“…Parents, children, and/or adolescents can have various reasons to exclude food products or to adhere to a special diet, such as food allergies or sensitivities, behavioural conditions (such as ARFID [40]), perceived health benefits, religious practices, and ideological or ethical reasons. A restricted diet can be caused by financial reasons but may also be the (first) indication of the development of an eating disorder [73].…”