Epilepsy is a brain disorder that involves repeated and unpredictable seizures. Medical conditions such as stroke, dementia, tumors or brain injury may increase the risk of epilepsy which is characterized by abnormal brain activity leading to sudden changes in attention and behavior. Treatment generally involves medications and surgery, depending on the underlying cause. Special diets, reduced stress and good sleep also help prevent seizures. Certain supplements such as carnitine may help manage epilepsy.
About Carnitine
Carnitine is a nutrient produced in the liver and kidneys. It is stored in the skeletal muscles, heart, brain and sperm, where it plays a major role in the metabolism of fat. Carnitine deficiency may occur when the body is unable to produce sufficient amounts of the nutrient. The deficiency can, however, be overcome by eating foods such as red meat, dairy products, wheat, poultry and asparagus, and dietary supplements. Your doctor may also recommend carnitine supplements to treat a variety of conditions including heart disease, diabetic neuropathy, endurance, weight loss and Alzheimer's disease. The dose and form of carnitine supplements depend on the age of individual and condition being treated.
Link Between Carnitine and Epilepsy
Epileptic children taking the drug valproate are at an increased risk of carnitine deficiency which can, in turn, lead to increased levels of ammonia in the blood, according to a study published in the September 2009 issue of the journal "Epilepsy Research." The researchers of the study also believe that carnitine supplements may benefit epilepsy patients. Another study in the July 2006 edition of the journal "Brain and Development" also states that epilepsy medications such as valproate lower the serum carnitine levels. Individuals with congenital errors in carnitine metabolism are more susceptible to valproate and may experience symptoms of carnitine deficiency such as fatigue, muscle weakness, enlarged heart, slow growth, chronic fever, frequent infections and poor muscle tone, says Dr. Orrin Devinsky, author of the book "Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy." Taking 15 mg of carnitine per kg of body weight may help reverse the condition, the book says.
Side Effects
Carnitine supplements are generally safe to use, although mild side effects such as diarrhea, loss of appetite and skin rash may occur. The supplements may also interfere with certain HIV, acne and cancer medications.
Precautions
Always talk to a doctor before using carnitine supplements to avoid the possible adverse reactions and drug interactions. Inform the doctor about pre-existing conditions and any other medications you might be taking.
References
- "Epilepsy Research"; The Risk of Asymptomatic Hyperammonemia in Children with Idiopathic Epilepsy Treated with Valproate: Relationship to Blood Carnitine Status; Sherifa A. Hamed, et al.; September 2009
- "Brain and Development"; Plasma Free Carnitine in Epilepsy Children, Adolescents and Young Adults Treated with Old and New Antiepileptic Drugs with or without Ketogenic Diet; Giangennaro Coppola, et al.; July 2006
- "Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy"; Orrin Devinsky, et al.; 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Carnitine
