From the Guidelines
The most effective dietary supplements for antiepileptic properties are omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and low-salt diet, as they have shown promise in reducing the severity of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, which may be related to seizure activity. When considering supplements for antiepileptic properties, it's essential to look at the available evidence.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (1-2g daily of EPA/DHA) may help stabilize neuronal membranes and reduce inflammation, as seen in patients with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction 1.
- Vitamin C (1,500 mg/day) supplementation has been studied in relation to exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and found to have some effect in reducing the severity of the condition 1.
- A low-salt diet has also been recommended based on a systematic review that identified six randomized trials, which showed a significantly smaller decrease in the mean maximum percent fall in FEV1 after exercise in patients with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction who received a low-salt diet 1. It's crucial to note that these supplements should complement, not replace, prescribed antiseizure medications, and you should always consult with your neurologist before starting any supplement regimen, as some may interact with medications or have side effects. Regular blood work to monitor levels, particularly for vitamins and minerals, is advisable when supplementing long-term. Additionally, folic acid supplementation (4 mg daily) is recommended for women with seizure disorders who are planning to conceive, as it may help reduce the risk of neural tube defects 1.
From the Research
Dietary Supplements with Antiepileptic Properties
- Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have antiepileptic properties, with studies suggesting they can reduce seizure frequency and duration 2, 3
- The most effective composition and dose of omega-3 fatty acids for antiepileptic effects is still unclear, with different studies using varying combinations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 2, 4
- The potential mechanisms of action of omega-3 fatty acids in epilepsy include elevation of seizure thresholds and dampening of inflammatory responses 2, 5
- Some studies have reported a significant positive association between omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and reduced epileptic seizures, while others have found no significant effect 4
- Further research is needed to fully understand the antiepileptic effects of omega-3 fatty acids and to determine the optimal dosage and treatment duration 2, 4, 6
Key Findings
- A triple-blind randomized clinical trial found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduced seizure frequency and duration in patients with refractory seizure 2
- A systematic review of nine studies found that four reported a significant positive association between omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and reduced epileptic seizures, while five found no significant effect 4
- A review of the potential use of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of epilepsy discussed the possible mechanisms of action and proposed further research to fully understand their antiepileptic effects 5
- An earlier review of the evidence related to the antiseizure properties of omega-3 fatty acids recommended future clinical trials involving higher doses and longer periods of administration 6
- A small study found that a diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids alleviated convulsion symptoms in epilepsy patients 3