Chelated Potassium & Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a nervous system disorder that results from abnormal electrical activity of the brain. Potassium channels have fundamental roles in electrical conductivity of the brain cells. Mutations in potassium channels are thought to be central to epileptic convulsions, and thus they are an important target of many of the known anti-epileptic drugs. Chelated potassium, such as potassium citrate, exhibits strong anti-epileptic properties and therefore could be an effective preventive supplement for epilepsy. Before you decide to take chelated potassium or other anti-epileptic supplements, it is important to talk to your doctor.

Chelated Potassium

If you choose to supplement potassium, choose a chelated version in tablet or capsule form. Chelated potassium is composed of mineral potassium and a chelating agent such as protein or amino acid. Because chelated minerals are bound to organic compounds, they are easily absorbed during digestion. Talk to your doctor before taking chelated potassium, if you have other health problems or if you take prescription medicines.

Potassium Channels and Epilepsy

Neurons use electrical impulses and chemical signals to transfer information among the body's cells. Potassium channels are among the most important cell channels that are responsible for cell-to-cell conduction of electrical impulses. They also regulate neuronal excitability. Some people have mutations in potassium channels which cause brain cells to fire electrical impulses at excessive rates. This electrical misfiring leads to epilepsy, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Epilepsy in Infants

Seizures are not uncommon in newborns and infants. Benign familial neonatal seizures, or BFNS, a rare form of epilepsy, do occur in infancy. BFNS affects children within the first few days of life, usually beginning between day 3 and four months. Neonatal seizures occur when brain cells get excited and fire abnormally.

Warnings

People who are currently being treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and ACE inhibitors should avoid potassium chelate. Very high doses of potassium chelate can cause serious health problems such as weakened heart, irregular heart beat, chest pain and stomach cramps, according to the book "Potassium: Chemical Elements That Make Life Possible." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that adults should not consume more than 4.7 grams of potassium a day.