Inducing necrotizing pancreatitis associated with a ketogenic diet: A case report

Abstract

Summary: Background & Aims: Nowadays, the ketogenic diet (KD) with very low carbohydrates (CHO) and high fats ingredients is widely used as a rapid weight loss diet. CHO restriction can cause lipolysis, and the body prefers to produce energy from fats. All these conditions increase the serum free fatty acids and triglycerides, which can lead to acute pancreatitis due to hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). Results: In this study, we presented a man with type II obesity with a history of familial hyperlipidemia who had HTG induced pancreatitis due to the KD. Prescription for the high-fat content of the KD without any assessment can cause HTG, then leading to pancreatitis. Conclusion: In our case, the ketogenic diet led to pancreatitis in a diabetic patient with a history of high blood lipid profiles. Appropriate guidance by a dietitian is required for people who would like to take advantage of the ketogenic diet. Further studies with strong designs and long-term evaluation are recommended.

Keywords

• Ketogenic diet
• Hypertriglyceridemia
• Acute pancreatitis
• Case report