Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for your body to function correctly. They are used as raw materials to make anti-inflammatory signals and structural components of cellular membranes, especially in the cardiovascular system and brain. Fish oil is not a substitute for seizure-controlling medication, but a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids may worsen seizure symptoms.
Seizure Disorders
All of your actions and behavior are driven by electrical and chemical signals sent between cells in your brain. Developmental abnormalities as well as physical or chemical disruption of brain circuits can disrupt normal patterns of activity and result in a seizure. Seizures can range between odd sensations and repeated behaviors to uncontrollable shaking and loss of consciousness. Some seizures can be cured via surgery and most can be controlled using medication.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Your body is unable to produce omega-3 fatty acids and the modern diet is very deficient in this nutrient. It is essential, therefore, to consume omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, from sources such as cold-water fish, nuts, seeds and fats. Omega-3 fatty acids are used as raw materials to synthesize anti-inflammatory signals and make up major components of cell membranes in the brain and vasculature.
Omega-3 and Seizures
Deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in cellular membranes of the brain and heart raises the frequency of seizures and increase the likelihood of sudden unexpected death from in epilepsy. A 2004 clinical trial published in "Seizure: The Journal of the British Epilepsy Association," found that omega-3 supplementation decreased seizure frequency and associated cardiac arrhythmia, at least for the six weeks of treatment.
Caution
Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids does not replace treatment with medication to control seizures. Taking a supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids may interfere with absorption of other medications. Consult your doctor before adding omega-3 fatty acid supplements to your regimen.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Medical Reference: Complementary Medicine: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- "Neuro Endocrinology Letters"; Significance of the plasma membrane for the nerve cell function, development and plasticity; Mourek et al.; 2009
- "Epilepsy & Behaviors"; The other side of the coin: Beneficiary effect of omega-3 fatty acids in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy; Scorza et al.; 2008
- "Seizure"; Is omega-3 fatty acid deficiency a factor contributing to refractory seizures and SUDEP? A hypothesis; Yuen & Sander; 2004
- Merck Manuals: Seizure Disorders
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