Vitamin status in patients on chronic anticonvulsant therapy

Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 1982;52(4):375-85.

Abstract

Vitamin levels in blood were estimated in 146 epileptics, aged 20-40 years. Compared to healthy subjects, no higher risk rates of a vitamin deficiency were found in epileptics for vitamins B1, B12, A, C, E and beta-carotene. alpha EGR was elevated only in epileptic females, alpha EGOT in epileptic males, indicating a higher risk of a vitamin B2 and B6 deficiency in these groups. Markedly reduced levels of folate, 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol, and biotin were found in the epileptics; folate and biotin levels showed a significant negative correlation with the total amount and the average daily dose of anticonvulsants administered.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Biotin / deficiency
  • Calcifediol / deficiency
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Epilepsy / blood*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism
  • Female
  • Folic Acid Deficiency / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Riboflavin Deficiency / chemically induced
  • Sex Factors
  • Vitamin B 6 Deficiency / chemically induced
  • Vitamins / blood*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Vitamins
  • Biotin
  • Calcifediol