Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been investigated for their potential role in supporting the management of epilepsy. The scientific rationale for their use is based on their anti-inflammatory properties, neuroprotective effects, and ability to modulate neuronal membrane fluidity and ion channels, which may influence neuronal excitability and seizure threshold.

Several small-scale clinical studies and case reports have explored the efficacy of omega-3 supplementation in people with epilepsy. Some research, such as a 2014 randomized trial published in Epilepsia, found a modest reduction in seizure frequency in patients taking omega-3 supplements compared to placebo, although the effects were not robust and larger, longer-term studies are lacking. A 2016 meta-analysis concluded that while omega-3 fatty acids are generally safe, their efficacy in reducing seizure frequency is inconclusive and requires further investigation.

Overall, the current scientific evidence offers only limited support for the use of omega-3 fatty acids as adjunctive therapy in epilepsy, and they are not considered a first-line treatment. They may be considered as a supplementary option, particularly in cases resistant to conventional therapies, but more high-quality research is needed. Importantly, omega-3 supplementation should only be undertaken under medical supervision for epilepsy patients.