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Effects of the feingold diet on seizures and hyperactivity: A single-subject analysis

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Abstract

The effects of a dietary manipulation on seizure frequency and activity level of a 3 1/2-year-old male with tuberous sclerosis, mental retardation, and uncontrolled seizures were assessed. Using a reversal design, the Feingold (K-P) diet was presented and withdrawn three times, while the medication regimen remained unaltered. Every application of the K-P diet resulted in substantial reductions in seizure frequency. During a 21-week follow-up, seizure frequency remained low despite the phasing out of one drug, and seizures were reportedly eliminated 1 year later. Brief objective measures of hyperactivity failed to show any effect due to the diet changes.

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Salary support for this project was provided by DHEW Grants MCT-000407-20-0 and 5 P01HD00870-14. Space to conduct the project was made possible by NIH Grant HD-02528/10.

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Haavik, S., Altman, K. & Woelk, C. Effects of the feingold diet on seizures and hyperactivity: A single-subject analysis. J Behav Med 2, 365–374 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00844740

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00844740

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