The effect of antioxidant supplementation in the treatment of epilepsy

Abstract EN

Aim : To assess serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant status (TAS) as a representative of oxidative stress in patients with generalized epilepsy and to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the antioxidant (vitamin E and vitamin C) on the levels of MDA,TAS and frequency of seizures attacks after two months therapy.

For a period of two months as a supplementation therapy.

Subjects and Methods : The study was conducted in Iben-seena Hospital in Mosul city-Iraq.

Fifty three patients with generalized epilepsy were included in this study (32 male and 21 female).

The study included 40 apparently healthy subjects, age and sex matched as a control group.

Initially from both the patients and controls, blood samples were taken.

Another blood samples were taken from the patients 2 months after vitamin E and vitamin C treatment, blood samples were analysed for serum MDA and serum TAS.

Result : Serum MDA was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.001) and serum TSA was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in patients with generalized epilepsy prior vitamin E and vitamin C supplementation in comparison to controls.

After vitamin E and C supplementation there was a significant reduction (P < 0.001) in the serum MDA levels with a significant increase (P < 0.001) in the serum TAS.

Also we found a reduction in seizure frequency of greater than 70 % after vitamin E and C supplementation.

Conclusion : a significant reduction of TSA was reported in patients with epilepsy.

Administration of vitamin E and C produced a significant reduction of serum MAD levels and a significant elevation of serum TAS, associated with a reduction of greater than 70 % of seizure frequency.

The study suggests the administration of vitamin E and C as adjunct to antiepileptic drugs.