Ketoacidotic death in lactation!

Laura forwarded me the link to this epic study:

A gestational ketogenic diet alters maternal metabolic status as well as offspring physiological growth and brain structure in the neonatal mouse.

It has a very very clear message. This is the first paragraph of the results section:

"Lactation in KD [ketogenic diet fed] Dams Leads to Fatal Ketoacidosis. In the initial trial phase, 4 KD dams remained with their biological litters post parturition, and during lactation. However, lactation appeared to cause severe physiological strain to all KD dams. Soon after parturition they started exhibiting signs of high stress, as was also apparent by them cannibalizing their litter. Measurements of their blood glucose and ketone revealed elevated values (Glucose: ∼20 mmol/L and Ketone: ∼6 mmol/L), indicating development of ketoacidosis. This ketoacidosis rapidly progressed to a fatal metabolic state, leading to the death of the KD dams within a few days post parturition"

I hope that is clear. No beating about the bush.

These folks are cutting edge. They know how to get impressive results.

Take home message: If you wish to survive lactation do not, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, base your diet on CRISCO. Do not do it.

My wife seems to have survived two ketogenic lactations in pretty good shape. Daniel's school is well in to spelling test this term. He is the only kid in his class to have made no mistakes so far. It doesn't look as if we have broken his brain. No Crisco.

Of course Sussman et al blame the ketosis. They keep very quiet about the Crisco:

TD.96355 Ketogenic Diet: "Vegetable Shortening, hydrogenated (Crisco) 586.4g/kg"

Want to die? Always ask for Crisco by name. Crooks.

Peter