Health Condition

Epilepsy

  • Fish Oil

    In one study, supplementing with a mixture of omega-3 fatty acids (primarily EPA and DHA, found in fish oil) reduced the frequency of seizures in some epileptic patients.

    Dose:

    3.25 grams daily of omega-3 fatty acids
    Fish Oil
    ×
    Consult a doctor for the amount to take. In a preliminary study, supplementation with 3.25 grams per day of a mixture of omega-3 fatty acids (primarily eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) for six months markedly reduced the frequency of seizures in five severely retarded epileptic patients.1 However, a double-blind trial found that fish oil was not beneficial in patients with epilepsy.2 A more recent double-blind trial found that a lower dose of fish oil (providing daily 1,080 mg of EPA + DHA) taken for 10 weeks reduced seizure frequency by one-third, whereas a higher dose (providing daily 2,160 mg of EPA + DHA) had no effect.3 Additional research is needed to determine whether fish oil is beneficial for people with epilepsy, and what the optimal level of intake is.
  • Magnesium

    In a retrospective chart review of patients with epilepsy, magnesium supplementation reduced seizure frequency by an average of 49% during follow-up periods of 3 to 12 months.

    Dose:

    252 mg one to four times per day
    Magnesium
    ×
    In a retrospective chart review of 22 patients with epilepsy that had failed to improve adequately with medications, magnesium supplementation was followed by a significant reduction in seizure frequency during follow-up periods of 3 to 12 months. The average reduction in seizure frequency was 49% after 6 to 12 months, and 36% of the patients had a decrease of at least 75% in seizure frequency.4 Controlled trials are needed to confirm these promising observations.
  • Sho-Saiko-To (Bupleurum, Peony, Pinellia, Cassia, Ginger, Jujube, Asian Ginseng, Asian Scullcap, and Licorice)

    The Chinese herb bupleurum is included in two herbal formulas, sho-saiko-to and saiko-keishi-to. Both have been shown to be helpful for epilepsy.

    Dose:

    2.5 grams a day of sho-saiko-to or saiko-keishi-to in tea or capsules
    Sho-Saiko-To (Bupleurum, Peony, Pinellia, Cassia, Ginger, Jujube, Asian Ginseng, Asian Scullcap, and Licorice)
    ×
     

    The Chinese herb bupleurum is included in two similar Chinese herbal formulae known as sho-saiko-to and saiko-keishi-to; these combinations contain the same herbs but in different proportions. The other ingredients are peony root, pinellia root, cassia bark, ginger root, jujube fruit, Asian ginseng root, Asian scullcap root, and licorice root. Both formulas have been shown in preliminary trials to be helpful for people with epilepsy.5,6,7 No negative interactions with a variety of anticonvulsant drugs were noted in these trials. The usual amount taken of these formulas is 2.5 grams three times per day as capsules or tea. People with epilepsy should not use either formula without first consulting with a healthcare professional.

  • Vitamin D

    In a preliminary study, correcting vitamin D deficiency resulted in a decrease in the number of seizures in patients with epilepsy who had failed to respond adequately to medications.

    Dose:

    Refer to label instructions
    Vitamin D
    ×
    Vitamin D deficiency is common in people with epilepsy, partly because some anticonvulsant drugs deplete vitamin D. In a preliminary study, correcting vitamin D deficiency resulted in a decrease in the number of seizures in patients with epilepsy who had failed to respond adequately to medications.8
  • Bacopa

    One preliminary trial in India found that an extract of bacopa, an Ayurvedic herb, reduced the frequency of epileptic seizures in a small group of people.

    Dose:

    Refer to label instructions
    Bacopa
    ×
     

    One older preliminary trial in India found an extract of bacopa, an Ayurvedic herb, reduced the frequency of epileptic seizures in a small group of people.9 However, another similar preliminary trial gave inconclusive results.10 Controlled research is needed to properly evaluate whether bacopa is helpful for epilepsy.

  • Folic Acid

    Folic acid may help reduce epileptic seizure frequency, people taking anticonvulsant medications should talk to their doctor before deciding whether to use folic acid.

    Dose:

    Refer to label instructions
    Folic Acid
    ×
     

    Folic acid supplementation (5 mg per day) was reported to reduce epileptic seizure frequency, though the effect was not significantly better than with placebo.11 Folic acid supplementation of as little as 800 mcg per day has also been reported to interfere with the action of anticonvulsant medications, resulting in an increase in the frequency and/or severity of seizures;12,13,14,15 this effect occurs only in a small number of cases.16,17 People taking anticonvulsant medications should consult with the prescribing physician before deciding whether to use folic acid.

  • Melatonin

    A small, preliminary trial found that melatonin improved sleep and improved seizure symptoms among children with one of two rare seizure disorders.

    Dose:

    Refer to label instructions
    Melatonin
    ×
     

    A small, preliminary trial found that 5 to 10 mg per day of melatonin improved sleep and provided “clear improvement of the seizure situation” among children with one of two rare seizure disorders.18 More research is needed to determine whether or not melatonin could benefit other people with epilepsy.

  • Taurine

    Taurine, an amino acid that is thought to play a role in the brain’s electrical activity, appears to temporarily reduce epileptic seizures in some people.

    Dose:

    Refer to label instructions
    Taurine
    ×
     

    Taurine is an amino acid that is thought to play a role in the electrical activity of the brain; deficits of taurine in the brain have been associated with some types of epilepsy. However, while some short-term studies have suggested that taurine supplementation may reduce epileptic seizures in some people, the effect appears to be only temporary.19

  • Vitamin B6

    Vitamin B6 has helped children with seizures related to a genetic enzyme defect. However, it is not known whether supplementation would benefit people with epilepsy.

    Dose:

    Refer to label instructions
    Vitamin B6
    ×
     

    Vitamin B6 has been used to treat infants and small children who have seizures related to a genetic enzyme defect.20,21,22,23 However, this condition is not considered true epilepsy, and whether people with epilepsy would benefit from taking vitamin B6 supplements is unknown.

What Are Star Ratings
×
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

References

1. Schlanger S, Shinitzky M, Yam D. Diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids alleviates convulsion symptoms in epilepsy patients. Epilepsia 2002;43:103-104.

2. Yuen AW, Sander JW, Fluegel D, et al. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with chronic epilepsy: a randomized trial. Epilepsy Behav 2005;7:253–8.

3. DeGiorgio CM, Miller PR, Harper R, et al. Fish oil (n-3 fatty acids) in drug resistant epilepsy: a randomised placebo-controlled crossover study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2015;86:65–70.

4. Abdelmalik PA, Politzer N, Carlen PL. Magnesium as an effective adjunct therapy for drug resistant seizures. <em>Can J Neurol Sci</em> 2012;39:323-7.

5. Yarnell EY, Abascal K. An herbal formula for treating intractable epilepsy: a review of the literature. Alt Compl Ther 2000;6:203-6 [review].

6. Narita Y, Satowa H, Kokubu T, et al. Treatment of epileptic patients with the Chinese herbal medicine “saiko-keishi-to” (SK). IRCS Med Sci 1982;10:88-9.

7. Nagakubo S, Niwa S-I, Kumagai N, et al. Effects of TJ-960 on Sternberg's paradigm results in epileptic patients. Jpn J Psych Neur 1993;47:609-19.

8. Hollo A, Clemens Z, Kamondi A, et al. Correction of vitamin D deficiency improves seizure control in epilepsy: a pilot study. Epilepsy Behav 2012;24:131-3.

9. Mukherjee GD, Dey CD. Comparative study on the anti-epileptic action of some common phyto-products. J Exp Med Sci 1968;11:82-5.

10. Mukherjee GD, Dey CD. Clinical trial on Brahmi. J Exp Med Sci 1966;10:5-11.

11. Gibberd FB, Nicholls A, Wright MG. The influence of folic acid on the frequency of epileptic attacks. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1981;19:57-60.

12. Guidolin L, Vignoli A, Canger R. Worsening in seizure frequency and severity in relation to folic acid administration. Eur J Neurol 1998;5:301-3.

13. Lewis DP, Van Dyke DC, Willhite LA. Phenytoin-folic acid interaction. Ann Pharmacother 1995;29:726-35 [review].

14. Berg MJ, Rivey MP, Vern BA, et al. Phenytoin and folic acid: individualized drug-drug interaction. Ther Drug Monit 1983;5:395-9.

15. Reynolds EH. Effects of folic acid on the mental state and fit frequency of drug treated epileptic patients. Lancet 1967;1:1086.

16. Eros E, Geher P, Gomor B, et al. Epileptogenic activity of folic acid after drug induces SLE (folic acid and epilepsy). Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1998;80:75-8.

17. Ueda S, Shirakawa T, Nakazawa Y, et al. Epilepsy and folic acid. Folia Psychiatr Neurol Jpn 1977;31:327-37.

18. Fauteck J, Schmidt H, Lerchl A, et al. Melatonin in epilepsy: first results of replacement therapy and first clinical results. Biol Signals Recept 1999;8:105-10.

19. Durelli L, Mutani R. The current status of taurine in epilepsy. Clin Neuropharmacol 1983;6:37-48.

20. Bankier A, Turner M, Hopkins IJ. Pyridoxine dependent seizures—a wider clinical spectrum. Arch Dis Child 1983;58:415-8.

21. Baxter P, Griffiths P, Kelly T, et al. Pyridoxine-dependent seizures: demographic, clinical, MRI and psychometric features, and effect of dose on intelligence quotient. Develop Med Child Neurol 1996;38:998-1006.

22. Jiao FY, Gao DY, Takuma Y, et al. Randomized, controlled trial of high-dose intravenous pyridoxine in the treatment of recurrent seizures in children. Pediatr Neurol 1997;17:54-7.

23. Goutieres F, Aicardi J. Atypical presentation of pyridoxine-dependent seizures: a treatable cause of intractable epilepsy in infants. Ann Neurol 1985;17:117-20.

24. Stevens H. Allergy and epilepsy. Epilepsia 1965;6:205-16 [review].

25. Campbell M. Neurologic manifestations of allergic disease. Ann Allergy 1973;31:485-98 [review].

26. Crayton JW, Stone T, Stein G. Epilepsy precipitated by food sensitivity: report of a case with double-blind placebo-controlled assessment. Clin Electroencephalogr 1981;12:192-8.

27. Cunningham AS. Allergy, immunodeficiency and epilepsy. Lancet 1975;11:975 [letter].

28. Egger J, Carter CM, Soothill JF, Wilson J. Oligoantigenic diet treatment of children with epilepsy and migraine. J Pediatr 1989;114:51-8.

29. Van Someren V, Robinson RO, McArdle B, Sturgeon N. Restricted diets for treatment of migraine. J Pediatr 1990;117:509-10 [letter].

30. Kossoff EH, Krauss GL, McGrogan JR, Freeman JM. Efficacy of the Atkins diet as therapy for intractable epilepsy. Neurology 2003;61:1789-91.

31. Wilder RM. The effects of ketonemia on the course of epilepsy. Mayo Clinic Proc 1921;2:307-8.

32. Prasad AN, Stafstrom CF, Holmes GL. Alternative epilepsy therapies: the ketogenic diet, immunoglobulins, and steroids. Epilepsia 1996;37:S81-S95 [review].

33. Vining EP, Freemen JM, Ballaban-Gil K, et al. A multicenter study of the efficacy of the ketogenic diet. Arch Neurol 1998;55:1433-7.

34. Freeman JM, Vining EP, Pillas DJ, et al. The efficacy of the ketogenic diet-1998: a prospective evaluation of intervention in 150 children. Pediatrics 1998;102:1358-63.

35. Neelam GK, Koehler AN, McGhee B, et al. The ketogenic diet in refractory epilepsy: the experience of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Clinical Pediatrics 2000;39:153-9.

36. Barborka CJ. Results of treatment by ketogenic diet in one hundred cases of epilepsy in adults. Assoc Res Nerv Ment Dis 1929;7:638-58.

37. Ballaban-Gil K, Callahan CM, O'Dell C, et al. The ketogenic diet in the treatment of intractable epilepsy in adults. Epilepsy 1996;37:92 [abstract].

38. Ballaban-Gil K, Callahan CM, O'Dell C, et al. Complications of the ketogenic diet. Epilepsia 1998;39:744-8.

39. Barron TF, Hunt SL. A review of the newer antiepileptic drugs and the ketogenic diet. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 1997;36:513-21.

40. Freeman JM, Kelly MT, Freeman JB. The epilepsy diet treatment. New York, NY: Demos, 1994.

41. Carroll J, Koenigsberger D. The ketogenic diet: a practical guide for caregivers. J Am Diet Assoc 1998;98:316-21.

42. http://www-leland.stanford.edu/group/ketodiet

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.