This study compares the potency of an established epilepsy treatment, Valproate (VPA), with a range of medium chain triglyceride (MCT) diet-associated fatty acids (and related branched compounds in vitro and in vivo and assessed side effect potential in vitro for one aspect of teratogenicity and for liver toxicology and in vivo for sedation and for a neuroprotective effect. Results confirmed medium chain fatty acids in the mechanism of the MCT ketogenic diet, and showed a related new family of compounds that are more efficacious than VPA in controlling seizures and with reduced likelihood of side effects.