Evidence supporting the use of: Fatty acids
For the health condition: Epilepsy

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Fatty acids, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have scientific backing for their use in supporting the management of epilepsy. The most notable approach is the ketogenic diet, which is high in fats (including fatty acids) and low in carbohydrates. This diet has been used for nearly a century to treat refractory epilepsy, especially in children who do not respond to standard anti-epileptic drugs. Clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that the ketogenic diet can significantly reduce seizure frequency in a substantial proportion of patients, with some experiencing complete seizure control.

The mechanism is not fully understood, but it is thought that the metabolism of fatty acids leads to the production of ketone bodies (such as beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate), which may have anticonvulsant effects by altering neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter balance. Additionally, some studies have investigated the role of specific omega-3 fatty acids (like EPA and DHA) in seizure control, though the evidence for these is less robust compared to the ketogenic diet.

Overall, there is strong scientific evidence (especially for MCTs as part of the ketogenic diet) supporting the use of fatty acids in the management of epilepsy, particularly for drug-resistant cases. However, such diets should be administered under clinical supervision due to potential side effects and nutritional considerations.

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