The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on clinical and paraclinical features of intractable epileptic patients: a triple blind randomized clinical trial
Abstract
Long chain omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) supplements have been shown to exert beneficial effects in patients with epilepsy through elevation of seizure thresholds and dampening of inflammatory responses. In this triple blind randomized, placebo-controlled parallel group trial of omega-3 FA supplementation, 180 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 120 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as well as placebo capsules were administered twice a day in 50 patients with refractory seizure during a 16-week period respectively. Seizure frequency and duration were reduced after completion of the treatment in the supplement group. The supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations. Further studies are needed to compare different omega-3 FA compositions and determine the most effective dose and treatment duration as well as the long term benefits of this supplementation.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 50 participants or records.
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