CompletedNot Applicable

IF-MCT 16:8: Investigating the Influence of Intermittent Fasting With and Without MCTs in Patients With Drug-resistant Epilepsy

Germany22 participantsStarted 2023-07-25

Plain-language summary

The objective of the prospective monocentric pilot trial is to investigate the influence of intermittent fasting with or without a once-daily intake with medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) on the frequency of seizures in patients with therapy-refractory epilepsy. The effects of 12 weeks intermittent fasting according to the 16:8 method (IF 16:8) are compared to 12 weeks intermittent fasting with additional intake of exogenous MCTs (IF MCT 16:8) in a within-subject-crossover-design in 28 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects able to provide informed consent * Drug-resistant epilepsy * At least 3 seizures per month Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy * Breast feeding period * Metabolic disorder (e.g. diabetes, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease) * Eating Disorder (e.g. anorexia, bulimia) * Chronic inflammatory gut disease * Active cancerous disease * Antibiotics within the last 3 months

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Effect of intermittent fasting according to the 16:8 method with and without exogenous MCTs on seizure frequency in drug-resistant epilepsy

Timeframe: 3 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06013761

SponsorUniversity Hospital Marburg

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-05-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Epilepsy trials