Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oil, have been investigated for their potential role in supporting or treating seizures, especially in drug-resistant epilepsy. Several small clinical trials and animal studies have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may have anticonvulsant properties by modulating neuronal membrane fluidity, reducing neuroinflammation, and affecting neurotransmitter release and ion channel function.

However, the overall clinical evidence remains limited and mixed. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported modest reductions in seizure frequency with omega-3 supplementation, while others have shown no significant benefit. For example, a 2016 meta-analysis of RCTs concluded that omega-3 fatty acids are generally safe but offer only marginal, if any, reduction in seizure frequency in patients with refractory epilepsy. The American Epilepsy Society does not currently endorse omega-3 fatty acids as a standard adjunctive therapy for seizures, citing insufficient and inconsistent evidence.

Despite the lack of strong clinical endorsement, omega-3 fatty acids are still sometimes used as complementary therapy due to their favorable safety profile and other health benefits. In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary research supporting their use, the evidence is not strong or consistent enough to recommend omega-3s as a primary treatment for seizures. Larger, well-designed clinical trials are needed to clarify their efficacy.

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Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids

Products containing omega-3 fatty acids

Nature's Sunshine Flax Seed Oil (With Lignans)