Core Ingredients of Ketocal 4:1
Ketocal 4:1 is a nutritionally complete formula, meaning it contains all the necessary macronutrients and micronutrients to serve as a sole source of nutrition for children aged 1-10 and as a supplement for those over 10. The precise combination of ingredients is carefully balanced to achieve the therapeutic 4:1 ketogenic ratio.
Primary Macronutrient Sources
The bulk of the formula's energy comes from its high-fat content, with specific fats chosen to support the ketogenic diet.
- Refined Vegetable Oils: The primary source of fat in Ketocal 4:1 is a blend of refined vegetable oils, which typically includes palm oil, soy oil, and sunflower oil. This blend provides a mix of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats necessary for energy and ketosis.
- Milk Protein: A protein blend of casein and whey derived from cow's milk provides essential amino acids. These proteins are necessary for growth, tissue repair, and other critical bodily functions, even within a low-protein dietary framework.
- Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate component is minimal to maintain ketosis. Ingredients like dried glucose syrup and corn starch are included in small amounts to contribute to the formula's structure and nutritional profile.
Essential Vitamins, Minerals, and Amino Acids
To ensure nutritional completeness, Ketocal 4:1 is fortified with a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and supplemental amino acids.
- Vitamins: The formula contains a full spectrum of vitamins, including Vitamin A, C, D, E, K, and B-vitamins (Thiamine, Riboflavin, B6, B12). These are crucial for overall health, immune function, and metabolism, addressing potential deficiencies from a restrictive diet.
- Minerals: Essential minerals and trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, selenium, and chromium are included to support bone health, enzyme function, and electrolyte balance. Sodium and potassium are also present to aid in hydration.
- Amino Acids: To supplement the milk protein, the formula includes free-form amino acids like L-arginine, L-cystine, L-carnitine, and taurine. These help ensure the body receives all necessary building blocks for protein synthesis.
Additional Functional Components
Certain ingredients are added for functional purposes, such as aiding digestion and providing specialized fatty acids.
- Dietary Fibers: A multi-fiber blend, including inulin, oligofructose, and cellulose, helps manage potential constipation associated with the ketogenic diet. This blend supports gut health and aids digestive regularity.
- Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LCPs): The formula is supplemented with Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Arachidonic Acid (ARA). These are important for brain development and function and are sourced from oils like Mortierella alpina and Crypthecodinium cohnii.
Comparison: Powder vs. Liquid Ketocal 4:1
While the core nutritional principles of the powder and liquid versions of Ketocal 4:1 are similar, their ingredient lists and preparation methods differ slightly.
| Feature | Ketocal 4:1 Powder | Ketocal 4:1 LQ (Liquid) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Dry powder for reconstitution with warm water. | Ready-to-drink liquid, no mixing required. |
| Oil Source | Refined vegetable oils (palm, soy, sunflower). | Refined vegetable oils (high oleic sunflower, soy, palm). |
| Preparation | Requires warm water and shaking vigorously to dissolve. | Open and serve, can be chilled for best flavor. |
| Portability | Can be measured and mixed on-the-go with water. | Pre-mixed and convenient for travel or immediate use. |
| Sweeteners (Vanilla) | May contain sucralose for flavoring. | Contains sugar, artificial flavor, and sucralose for taste. |
| Fiber Blend | Contains dietary fibers like cellulose, inulin, and gum arabic. | Includes soy fiber, inulin, and microcrystalline cellulose. |
Medical Considerations and Supervision
It is critical to emphasize that Ketocal 4:1 is a medical food intended for use under strict medical supervision. The formula is not meant for general consumer use or as a casual dietary supplement. Patients using Ketocal should be closely monitored by a healthcare team for potential side effects such as gastrointestinal issues or elevated lipid levels. The specific dosage and caloric intake must be determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual's needs, age, and medical condition. The use of this formula is a therapeutic intervention, not a simple dietary choice.
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients in Ketocal 4:1 are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of a medical ketogenic diet for patients over one year old with conditions like intractable epilepsy. The product relies on a specialized blend of refined vegetable oils, milk proteins, and minimal carbohydrates to achieve its 4:1 ketogenic ratio. It is also fortified with an extensive list of vitamins, minerals, and functional ingredients, including DHA and ARA, to ensure it is nutritionally complete. Both powder and liquid versions exist, with minor differences in their preparation and precise ingredient lists. Proper usage requires close medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.
