Seizures are brought on by over-excited nerve cells in the brain. They may be caused by a number of factors including a head injury, dementia and injury to the brain before birth. If you experience two or more seizures, your doctor will likely prescribe anti-seizure medicines to help stop them from happening again. Vitamin C might also play a role in the treatment of seizure disorder although there is no evidence to show it can prevent seizures. Do not take vitamin C in place of anti-seizure drugs and get medical advice before taking supplements.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble antioxidant nutrient that plays a role in immune function and wound healing, and also protects the body from damage by molecules known as free radicals. It might also play a role in the treatment and prevention of several conditions including the common cold and certain forms of cancer. Findings from a study published on rats in the June 2010 issue of the medical journal, "Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatra," show that vitamin C might also help to reduce damage to brain cells following a seizure.
Sources and Administration
Vitamin C is found in a variety of foods including red and green peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries and potatoes. It is also available as a dietary supplement in capsules and tablets. Guidance regarding a beneficial dose for the treatment of seizures is lacking, but your doctor may be able to advise on a suitable dose.
Evidence
There is little evidence to suggest that vitamin C has a direct effect on seizures. Furthermore, clinical studies evaluating its effects on seizures are lacking. However, findings of an animal study published in the September 2009 issue of "Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity" suggest that seizures may be linked to oxidative damage in a part of the brain known as the hippocampus, and that vitamin C may help to reduce this damage. Further studies on people with seizure disorder are needed to confirm these effects.
Other Vitamins
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that seizure medicines might lower levels of vitamins in the body, including vitamins B-12, D and K. Therefore, you may need to take a vitamin supplement alongside your anti-seizure medicines. However, check with your doctor before doing so. Taking a vitamin E supplement might also help to reduce seizure frequency, although evidence to prove this effect is mixed. Get medical advice before using any new supplements.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Seziure Disorders; March 2010
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Vitamin C; February 2011
- "Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatra"; Inhibitory Action of Antioxidants (Ascorbic Acid or Alpha-Tocopherol) on Seizures and Brain Damage Induced by Pilocarpine in Rats"; R. Tome Ada, et al.; June 2010
- "Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity"; Oxidative Stress in the Hippocampus During Experimental Seizures Can Be Ameliorated With the Antioxidant Ascorbic Acid; I.M. Santos, et al.; September 2009
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