On Mon, 28 Sep 1998, Amadeus Schmidt wrote:

> One main essential stuff for keeping brains *running*,
> which *has* to come directly from the food
> is undoubtely vitamin b1.
> Glukose is important too, but can be derived from many food resources.
> The energy need of the brain (in form of glucose i think)
> starts at 25 about Watt of energy.

Research indicates that only parts of the brain require glucose
as fuel; other parts can make use of ketones.  The adaptation
takes a bit of time, which is why some people feel "foggy" during
the first week or so of a ketogenic diet.  Their performance on
mental tests also goes down during that time, but then returns to
normal, or better.  Some glucose continues to be needed by some
parts of the brain, and by cells of the retina.  This can be
supplied by gluconeogenesis or by very modest amounts of dietary
carbohydrate (less than 50g/day).

Todd Moody
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