Diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids alleviates convulsion symptoms in epilepsy patients

Epilepsia. 2002 Jan;43(1):103-4. doi: 10.1046/j.1528-1157.2002.13601.x.

Abstract

Purpose: We examined whether a dietary supplement containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) can alleviate and/or reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures in patients with central nervous system (CNS) diseases treated with anticonvulsive drugs (ACDs).

Methods: A special spread containing 65% n-3 PUFAs was added to the daily diet. The patients consumed 5 g of this spread at every breakfast for 6 months.

Results: Five patients completed the study. In all of them, a marked reduction in both frequency and strength of the epileptic seizures was recorded.

Conclusions: Incorporation of the dietary supplement containing n-3 PUFAs may be beneficial in suppression of some cases of epileptic seizures.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Angelman Syndrome / diet therapy
  • Angelman Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Cerebral Palsy / diet therapy
  • Cerebral Palsy / drug therapy
  • Child
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Spasms, Infantile / diet therapy*
  • Spasms, Infantile / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3