Katherine Pinkerton Richardson

Mrs. Katherine Pinkerton Richardson


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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27 March 2026 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BSBhavini Singh
Bhavini Singh
PBPaige Botten
Paige Botten
KRKatherine Pinkerton Richardson
Katherine Pinkerton Richardson
CWChaston Weaver
Chaston Weaver
SPSharad Purohit
Sharad Purohit
The ketogenic diet (KD) is a critical, evidence-based intervention within medical nutrition therapy for managing neurological disorders. In this article, we reviewed the published research on the efficacy of the ketogenic diet and its variations in treating epilepsy, particularly for patients unresponsive to anti-epileptic drugs. The literature review was performed on PubMed between 2022 and 2025. The review of clinical studies across various age groups reveals that, while the KD is effective for both focal and generalized seizures, infants often achieve higher rates of seizure freedom compared to adults, potentially due to better dietary compliance. Despite its success, the restrictive nature of the diet presents significant challenges for individuals suffering from epilepsy. The key challenges that reduce compliance over time include side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues, potential for malnutrition, and a high risk of micronutrient deficiencies. The role of the registered dietitian is paramount in this interdisciplinary approach, ensuring personalized education by monitoring growth and adjusting nutritional plans to optimize health outcomes for children unresponsive to anti-epileptic drugs. Ultimately, integrating MNT with traditional pharmacological or surgical treatments offers the most promising path for significant seizure reduction and improved quality of life for epileptic patients.