Question

A ketogenic diet primarily consists of high-fats, moderate-proteins, and very-low-carbohydrates. Ketogenic diets recommend fat intake of 55-60% per day. Answer the following in two (2) sentences or less each:

A. How does this recommendation compare to the AMDR for fat?
B. By taking in the recommended amount of fat on a ketogenic diet, what other nutrients may be lacking?

Answer 1

The recommended fat intake for a ketogenic diet significantly exceeds the AMDR for fats and may lead to inadequate intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which are abundant in carbohydrate-rich foods.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ketogenic diet's recommended fat intake of 55-60% is higher than the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for fat, which recommends 20-35% of daily calories from fat. The ketogenic recommendation contrasts with the general health guidelines and particularly with the American Heart Association's recommendation of keeping fat intake to 30% or less of daily calories, with less than 10% from saturated fats.

Following a ketogenic diet and the recommended amount of fat, a person may lack sufficient intake of other macronutrients such as carbohydrates and thus miss out on fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are predominantly found in high-carb foods like fruits, whole grains, and vegetables.