Dietary Intake of Anti-Oxidative Trace Elements in Individuals with Epileptic Seizures
Abstract number :
3.335
Submission category :
10. Dietary Therapies (Ketogenic, Atkins, etc.)
Year :
2021
Submission ID :
1825651
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/6/2021 12:00:00 PM
Published date :
Nov 22, 2021, 06:44 AM
Authors :
Jana Ponce, PhD, RD - University of Nebraska Medical Center; Jenna Wuebker, MS, RD - Nutrition Therapist, Department of Pharmaceutical and Nutrition Care, Nebraska Medicine; Arun Swaminathan, MD - Assistant Professor, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center; Mariah Jackson, MMN, RD - Instructor, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center; Megan Timmerman, MPA, RD - Assistant Professor, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center; Corrine Hanson, PhD, RD - Professor, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Rationale: Oxidative stress has been implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders, including epilepsy. Selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are important trace elements that contribute to the structure of two major enzymes involved in antioxidant defense mechanisms: glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Previous research suggests serum levels of these trace elements are low in individuals with epilepsy; however, less is known about the adequacy of dietary intakes of these nutrients. Our aim was to quantify and assess dietary intakes of Se, Zn and Cu in individuals with epileptic seizures.
Methods: Patients admitted to the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) at a Midwestern Academic Medical Center were prospectively enrolled and completed a validated food frequency questionnaire to assess total Se, Zn and Cu consumption. Subjects underwent video electroencephalogram monitoring to confirm epileptic seizures. Dietary intake of trace elements was quantified and compared to the Institute of Medicine Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) to assess adequacy. A student’s t-test was used to compare trace element intake of subjects experiencing seizures with those who did not.
Results: Thirty-one of 82 (38%) individuals experienced an epileptic seizure during EMU admission. In patients with seizures, mean intakes of Se, Cu, and Zn met 11%, 52%, and 160% of the RDA (Table 1). Ninety percent of those with seizures did not meet the RDA for Se, 29% did not meet the RDA for Zn, and 19% did not meet the RDA for Cu. Only 3 subjects (10%) met the RDA for all three trace elements. There was no significant difference in intakes between those who did and did not experience seizures during admission.
Conclusions: Patients with epileptic seizures demonstrate inadequate intakes of trace elements which are crucial in managing oxidative stress. Dietary interventions to improve nutritional intakes of antioxidant nutrients in this population may provide low cost, non-invasive treatment to improve overall neurological health.
Funding: Please list any funding that was received in support of this abstract.: N/A.
Dietary Therapies (Ketogenic, Atkins, etc.)