Uncontrolled epilepsy linked to low omega-3 fatty acid level

May 5, 2004

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Source: Life Extension

May 3, 2004

The American Academy of Neurology's 56th Annual Meeting was the site of a

presentation on April 28 of findings from researchers at Emory University that

the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is abnormally low in

individuals with uncontrolled epilepsy. DHA is essential for nervous system

development in infants and for the proper brain cell membrane development and

function in adults. Because the body cannot produce sufficient amounts of DHA,

it must be consumed by eating foods such as fatty fish, or by taking

supplements.

The researchers compared 57 healthy people with 41 individuals with a type of

seizure that is resistant to antiepileptic medication. Analysis of blood samples

revealed that the mean red blood cell membrane DHA level of the epileptic

patients was 2.74 percent compared to 3.46 percent in the healthy group.

Previous research has correlated DHA levels in red blood cell membranes with

those of cerebral neuron membranes.

Associate professor of neurology at Emory University School of Medicine and

director of the Emory Epilepsy Center, Thomas R. Henry, MD, explained, “We

looked at prior studies of animal models of rats with epilepsy and low levels of

DHA. By giving these rats more DHA, it made it more difficult for them to have

seizures. We are now exploring a similar connection of low DHA levels in humans

who have epilepsy. "

Dr Henry added, " By determining a deficiency in the red blood cell membranes in

these patients, we infer that brain cell membranes are also depleted of this

normal fatty acid. This may help us link low DHA to seizures which cannot be

managed by antiepileptic medications. Reasons for the reduced membrane levels

are unclear at this time. Future studies are needed to determine if DHA

supplementation can help control seizures in this patient population. "

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