Diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids alleviates convulsion symptoms in epilepsy patients.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Schlanger
Simon
S
The Kalanit Institute for the Retarded Child, Rishon LeZion, Israel.
Shinitzky
Meir
M
Yam
Daniel
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017204:Angelman Syndrome / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D013036:Spasms, Infantile / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000188:drug therapy
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3