Effectiveness of the use of an omega 3 and omega 6 combination(EquazenTM) in paediatric patients with refractory epilepsy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is considered a health problem. 85% of patients are satisfactorily controlled with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and 15% have refractory seizures. The combination of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids (EquazenTM) can contribute to changes in ionic currents and to stabilization of neurotransmitter's function resulting in cell membrane equilibrium. These changes lead to potential seizure control. OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy and safety in the treatment of refractory epilepsy with a supplement combining EPA, DHA (omega 3 fatty acids) and GLA (omega 6 fatty acids). METHODS: We reviewed patients from the Neurology Department of the Children's Hospital of Mexico who have refractory epilepsy, evaluating clinical characteristics of seizures, number of seizures and AEDs. 792 mg of EPA, DHA and GLA per day (6 capsules of EquazenTM) were administrated for four weeks in order to assess the frequency of seizures as well as tolerability and probable side effects. RESULTS: The study was conducted with a total of 13 patients with follow-up four weeks after the start of supplementation. We obtained a satisfactory clinical response with ≥ 80% decrease in the daily number of seizures in more than 60% of patient. The mean of number of seizures over all patients was reduced significantly from 26.61±37.2 to 5.92 daily. In addition a significant improvement in the neurocognitive capacity was observedin all patients. CONCLUSION: The co-adjuvant supplementation with EquazenTM may result in a reduction of the number of seizures in refractory epilepsy having in addition significant impact on neurocognitive aspects. To enhance the quality of life of epileptic patient supplementation with a specific combination of EPA, DHA and GLA should be reconsidered.

Review the Effect of Omega 3 Supplementation on Severity and Frequency of Epilepsy

“…Several studies have been shown that omega-3 fatty acids reduce neuronal excitability and may be useful in the non-pharmacological treatment of patients with epilepsy [16]. shown an inverse association between omega-3 supplementation and frequency and severity of seizure [12,[17][18][19], however, in some studies these effects were not observed [20,21] (Table 1). In the non-randomized open labeled trial EPA and omega 3 supplementation in 10 patients with chronic epilepsy has not significant effect on epilepsy [22].…”