Vitamin D Supplementation May Benefit Epileptic Children on Antiepileptic Drug Therapy

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Vitamin D Supplementation May Benefit Epileptic Children on

Antiepileptic Drug Therapy

http://www.vitasearch.com/CP/weeklyupdates/

Reference: " Effects of antiepileptic drug therapy on vitamin D status

and biochemical markers of bone turnover in children with epilepsy, "

Nettekoven S, Hahn A, et al, Eur J Pediatr, 2008; 167(12): 1369-77.

(Address: Nutrition Physiology and Human Nutrition Unit, Institute of

Food Science, Leibniz University of Hannover, Wunstorfer Str. 14, 30453,

Hannover, Germany. E-mail: sina.nettekoven@... ).

Summary: In a cross-sectional observational study involving 38 children

with epilepsy receiving antiepileptic drug treatment and 44 healthy

controls, results indicate a very high prevalence of vitamin D

deficiency. Blood samples were collected from the children. More than

75% of the subjects showed serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations <

20 ng/mL (vitamin D deficiency) and 21% of subjects showed serum 25(OH)D

levels between 20 and 30 ng/mL (vitamin D insufficiency). Additionally,

serum levels of osteocalcin and bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) were

significantly increased, whereas C terminal telopeptide of type I

collagen (ICTP) were significantly decreased in epileptic subjects,

compared with controls. Furthermore, patients on polytherapy showed

significantly lower 25(OH)D and ICTP levels and elevated BAP levels,

compared to patients receiving monotherapy. Thus, the authors of this

study conclude, " Our results in dicate that the prevalence of vitamin D

deficiency in epilepsy patients under AED treatment is high, especially

under polytherapy, and alteration markers of bone formation and

resorption suggests an accelerated skeletal turnover. The routine

monitoring of serum 25-OHD and vitamin D supplementation on an

individual basis should be considered. "

--

ne Holden, MS, RD

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