Nutritional supplements, foods, and epilepsy: is there a relationship?

Anecdotal reports suggest that certain foods and dietary contents might influence the occurrence of seizures. However, the existing data are scanty and sometimes controversial. Some studies have found that the supplementation with individual nutrients reduced seizure frequency or improved other aspects of health in patients with epilepsy, while other studies have failed to confirm those findings. Nutrient supplementation may be necessary to prevent or reverse the effects of certain deficiencies that frequently result from the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). However, the potential benefits of nutrient supplementation in patients with epilepsy must be weighed against reports that large doses of certain nutrients can interfere with the action of some AEDs. This paper reviews dietary and nutritional considerations in patients with epilepsy and also the relationship between foods, dietary elements, and seizures.