Magnesium:
Magnesium has
extensive effects in the body. It
is involved in energy production,
immune function, nervous system
function, and circulation. Because
of its pervasive effects and
involvement with electrolyte
balance, it is congruent that
imbalances can be connected to
seizure activity.
Studies show
evidence of magnesium deficiency
as a trigger for seizures. [13]
Although this is a rare trigger,
it is thought to be due to
provoking a metabolic imbalance,
leading to improper nerve
activity. One study followed a
Thai girl at 10 weeks old
presenting with low levels of
magnesium and recurrent
convulsions. After supplementation
with magnesium, she was free of
the convulsions. [14]
Taurine:
Taurine is an amino
acid found largely in the heart,
brain, and skeletal muscle. Its
role in the brain is to modulate
brain chemicals
(neurotransmitters) so that the
cell membranes are stabilized,
leading to more consistent
activity. [15]
A study in mice
showed that when given a taurine
agonist there were increased
occurrences of convulsive
seizures, suggesting that
depletion of taurine has
triggering effect for improper
brain activity. [16]
Gamma-aminobutyric
acid (GABA):
An amino acid
produced in the brain, gamma-aminobutyric
acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter
that fosters communication between
nerve cells. Large amounts of
research implicate its role in the
provocation of seizure activity. GABA is an inhibitory
neurotransmitter, and when not
present in adequate amounts, the
lack of inhibition can lead to
over excitation, resulting in
convulsive episode. [17] To this end, many standard
epilepsy drugs, such as
benzodiazepines and phenobarbital,
aim to boost GABA levels in the
brain. Supplementation with GABA
may have a positive effect on
reducing seizure activity.
For many, it will be
necessary to be on anti-epileptic
medication. However, many of these
medications deplete the necessary
vitamins and minerals in the body,
and when depleted, may lead to a
host of other problems. The
following are some vitamins and
minerals that could be affected:
Vitamin D
Many
anti-epileptic medications
interfere with vitamin D
metabolism. [18]
For those taking such
medications it is important to
counteract these effects. It is
equally important to note that
vitamin D is involved with the
absorption and metabolism of
calcium, and its depletion could then lead to inadequate
amounts of calcium absorption.
Supplementing with Vitamin D
will allow the body to maintain
proper amounts of vitamin D and
calcium, thereby preventing any
deficiency states.
Folic acid:
Folic acid is
involved in DNA metabolism,
immune function, and central
nervous system function. It
reduces the risk of birth
defects as well as decreasing
the risk for heart disease by
lowering homocysteine levels. [19] Because of its important
function, it is crucial that it
is not depleted. For those
taking seizure medications, it
is common for folic acid to be
compromised. It should be noted
that there is more of an
involved interaction with these
medications, in that folic acid
in large amounts (more than
15mg/day) may interfere with the
anticonvulsant effect of dilantin; but smaller doses of
folic acid appears to improve
the clinical condition. [20]
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