P818 - OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS AS ADJUNCTIVE NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT IN EPILEPSY MANAGEMENT

P818

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS AS ADJUNCTIVE NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT IN EPILEPSY MANAGEMENT

A. C. Nicolae^1,*, O. TARŢA-ARSENE², A. L. ARSENE³, D. DRĂGĂNESCU⁴, I.-B. DUMITRESCU⁵, C. M. DRĂGOI¹

¹ Biochemistry, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, ²Pediatric Neurology, “Al. Obregia” Clinical Hospital, ³General and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, ⁴Physics and Informatics, Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, ⁵Physics and Informatics, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania

Rationale:  ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, often treated with stimulant drugs. However, such therapy can involve significant risks, especially in those with comorbid epilepsy. As low serum levels of essential fatty acids are often observed in ADHD, this study assessed the impact of omega-3 supplementation (DHA and EPA) as a nutritional intervention in this population [1].

Methods: Seventeen children with both epilepsy and ADHD were assessed at baseline using neurological, psychiatric, psychological, EEG, and biochemical (urinary catecholamines) evaluations. They received daily omega-3 supplements for six months, after which all assessments were repeated, including Conners' behavioral questionnaire.

Results: Fourteen children completed the study. Initially, all showed high ADHD symptom scores. After six months, 75% displayed marked improvements in attention, impulsivity, language, and academic skills. Biochemical analysis revealed decreased urinary levels of dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline, indicating a possible neurochemical basis for the observed behavioral improvements.

Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may offer a safe, effective, and nutritionally grounded complementary strategy for managing ADHD in children with epilepsy, with potential benefits reflected in both behavioral outcomes and catecholamine profiles.

References: 1. Freeman MP, Hibbeln JR, Wisner KL, Davis JM, Mischoulon D, Peet M, Keck PE Jr, Marangell LB, Richardson AJ, Lake J, Stoll AL. Omega-3 fatty acids: evidence basis for treatment and future research in psychiatry. J Clin Psychiatry. 2006 Dec;67(12):1954-67. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v67n1217. Erratum in: J Clin Psychiatry. 2007 Feb;68(2):338. PMID: 17194275.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared