Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with chronic epilepsy: a randomized trial.
Animal studies and a preliminary clinical observation suggest that nutritional supplementation with long chain omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) may be useful in the nonpharmacological treatment of patients with epilepsy. Omega-3 FAs increase seizure thresholds, and lower inflammatory mediators, which are increased in patients with epilepsy. In this first randomized, placebo-controlled parallel group trial of omega-3 FA supplementation with 1 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 0.7 g docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) daily, 57 patients completed a 12-week double-blind phase. Seizure frequency was reduced over the first 6 weeks of treatment in the supplement group, but this effect was not sustained. The supplementation produced a significant increase in EPA and DHA concentrations and a reciprocal fall in arachidonic and linoleic acid concentrations. No change in serum AED concentrations was detected. Further studies are required to examine different omega-3 FA preparations, different doses, longer treatment duration, and larger sample sizes.
Yuen
Alan W C
AW
Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
Sander
Josemir W
JW
Fluegel
Dominique
D
Patsalos
Philip N
PN
Bell
Gail S
GS
Johnson
Tony
T
Koepp
Matthias J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000188:drug therapy; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3