Convulsions, also known as seizures, are associated with disorganized electrical activity in the brain that causes abnormal muscle contractions. A variety of different health conditions can cause seizures. A lack of folic acid in your body can cause convulsions. In addition, medications that are used to treat convulsions can cause folic acid deficiencies.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, known also as folate, is a water soluble vitamin that is a member of the B-complex family of vitamins. Folate is particularly important for enzymes that transfer certain kinds of molecules, known as one-carbon units, within the body. In particular, folate is needed to make red blood cells; consequently, a lack of folic acid can cause megaloblastic anemia, which is marked by reduced levels, and unusually large, red blood cells.
Folic Acid Deficiency and Epilepsy
A lack of folic acid in the body can affect all of your organs because of the role of folic acid in processing different compounds, including amino acids and nucleic acids. According to Dr. Ward Dean of the Worldwide Health Center, there are two documented cases of patients who had convulsions that were unresponsive to anti-seizure medications. These patients also had a folic acid deficiency and celiac disease and their seizures abated when treated with a gluten-free diet and folic acid supplements, suggesting that folic acid deficiency may play a role in some convulsions.
Anti-Seizure Medications and Folic Acid
Folic acid is also important for people undergoing treatment for repeated convulsions because of the effects of certain medications on folic acid. The medications phenytoin, carbemazepine and phenobarbitol, which are all used to treat convulsions, also interfere with folic acid absorption. As a result, people taking these drugs may develop a deficiency of folic acid and may need supplements to correct this problem.
Considerations
Although folic acid deficiencies may result in convulsions, there is no clear link between a lack of folic acid and seizures. Folic acid supplementation is generally safe, though it can be dangerous if you have a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Takng folic acid can mask the symptoms of a lack of vitamin B-12 and lead to permanent nerve damage. Folic acid supplements should not be used as a substitute for a physician's care.
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