Fish Oil May Be the Key To Reducing the Frequency of Epileptic Seizures

Previous studies have linked numerous natural and medical benefits to helping seizures, including stress managements, herbal supplements and adequate rest. Now, recent findings also show that fish oil could help to reduce the risk of problems associated with this health issue.

For the study, researchers recruited 24 people who had epilepsy and did not properly respond to regular treatments. They were given three different kinds of treatments, with one lasting about 10 weeks and six weeks between each set of treatments.

The first plan required that participants take three sets of fish oil pills, which amounted to 1080 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids, and three corn oil capsules per day. The second involved taking six capsules of fish oil--or the equivalent of 2160 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per day or a dosage that was considered high, while the last treatment involved three corn oil capsules, which acted as a placebo, taken twice daily.

Findings revealed that low-dose fish oil treatments carried low-dose fish oil treatments with an average of 12 seizures per month; participants on the high-dose fish oil plan had an average of 17 seizures per month; while those taking the placebo had an average of 18 seizures per month.

On the other hand, two in the low-dose group were actually seizure free during 10 weeks of treatment while no one from the other group became seizure-free.

Researchers also found that low-dose fish oil also helped to reduce blood pressure. However, high-dose fish oil in general was not associated with any changes in severity of seizures or blood fat levels.

"Low dose fish oil is a safe and low cost intervention that may reduce seizures and improve cardiovascular health in people with epilepsy," the authors concluded according to the press release.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the British Medical Journal.