Ketopoly
- 22.09.2025
- English Articles
- Janina Dapprich
- Lena Guthke
- Tobias Fischer
Peer reviewed / Manuscript (original) submitted: 2 June 2025; accepted: 6 June 2025
A playful approach to supporting ketogenic nutritional therapy in children and adults
Introduction
Ketogenic diets are based on a very low-carbohydrate, moderate- protein, and high-fat diet [1]. This makes them fundamentally different from Western dietary patterns and the dietary recommendations of the German Nutrition Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung, DGE), which advocates a balanced intake of all macronutrients with a particular focus on carbohydrates as the main source of energy [2–4].
According to the S1 guideline of the Society for Neuropediatrics, the ketogenic diet is an effective treatment option for drug-resistant epilepsy and the treatment of choice for certain rare congenital metabolic disorders such as glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) deficiency and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) deficiency [5]. The central metabolic basis of the ketogenic diet, ketosis, is achieved by drastically reducing carbohydrate intake while increasing fat intake. Due to the reduced supply of glucose, which is normally the primary source of energy, the body begins to use ketone bodies – especially β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate – as alternative sources of energy. These are continuously produced in the liver, but only occur in very small amounts in a carbohydrate-rich diet [6]. The ketogenic diet therefore mimics the metabolic state of fasting [4]. ...
Abstract
Ketopoly is an educational board game that teaches children, parents, and professionals about the ketogenic diet in a fun way. Based on a classic game, it teaches knowledge about food, meals, and nutritional values. The aim is to promote nutritional literacy and practical skills in a playful way.
