Vitamin B6 for Kids with Epilepsy: Does it Help?

observational-study PMID: 35839645

Quick Summary: A recent study found that taking vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) might help children with epilepsy who are taking the medication levetiracetam (LEV) stay on their medication longer. The study showed that B6 could reduce side effects like mood changes and behavioral issues, which often lead to stopping the medication.

Does Vitamin B6 Help with Levetiracetam Side Effects?

Yes, the research suggests it can! Many children with epilepsy experience side effects from levetiracetam, including changes in mood and behavior. This study looked at whether vitamin B6 could help. The results were promising:

Lower Discontinuation Rates: Children taking vitamin B6 were much less likely to stop taking levetiracetam due to side effects.

Improved Behavior: Kids who continued taking levetiracetam and also took vitamin B6 often showed improvements in their behavior.

Study Details

Who was studied: 240 children with epilepsy who were taking levetiracetam.

How long: The researchers looked at data from a period of 18 months.

What they took: The study looked at children who were taking levetiracetam and also taking vitamin B6. The exact dosage of B6 wasn't specified in the study.

What This Means For You

If your child takes levetiracetam and experiences mood swings or behavioral problems, talking to their doctor about vitamin B6 might be a good idea. This study suggests that vitamin B6 could help reduce these side effects and help your child stay on their medication, which is important for controlling seizures.

Talk to Your Doctor: Always discuss any new supplements with your child's doctor before starting them.

Monitor for Changes: If your child starts taking vitamin B6, keep an eye out for any improvements in their behavior or mood.

Study Limitations

It's important to remember that this study has some limitations:

More Research Needed: This was a "retrospective" study, meaning researchers looked back at existing data. More research, like clinical trials, is needed to confirm these findings and determine the best dosage of vitamin B6.

Not a Cure: Vitamin B6 isn't a cure for epilepsy or a replacement for medication. It may help manage side effects.

Individual Results May Vary: Every child is different. What works for one child may not work for another.

Important Note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your child's doctor before making any changes to their treatment plan.

Key Findings

35% of pediatric epilepsy patients on levetiracetam (LEV) experienced behavioral/mood side effects.
71% of patients reporting side effects were taking vitamin B6 (n = 59).
LEV discontinuation rates were significantly lower in children using B6 vs. non-users (49% vs. 88%, p = 0.001).
57% of B6 users who continued LEV reported improved behavior, compared to 0% of non-users (p < 0.001).
B6 supplementation was associated with reduced odds of discontinuing LEV due to behavioral side effects.

Study Design

Type: Retrospective observational study.
Sample Size: 240 pediatric patients treated with LEV between July 2019 and December 2020.
Methodology: Analyzed demographic/clinical data; used t-tests, Chi-square, and Fisher exact tests to assess predictors of LEV discontinuation.
Duration: 18-month period (data collection).
Population: Children with epilepsy, 62% of whom were on polypharmacy (multiple anti-seizure medications).

Dosage & Administration

Dosage: Not explicitly reported in the study summary.
Administration: Route (e.g., oral) and duration of B6 supplementation were unspecified.

Results & Efficacy

Discontinuation Risk: B6 users had a 49% discontinuation rate vs. 88% in non-users (p = 0.001).
Behavioral Improvement: Among patients who remained on LEV, 57% (17/30) of B6 users reported improved behavior, while no improvement was noted in non-users (0/26; p < 0.001).
Statistical Significance: All key comparisons met significance thresholds (p < 0.05), with p-values of 0.001 and <0.001 for discontinuation and behavioral outcomes, respectively.
Effect Size: B6 supplementation was linked to a 39% absolute risk reduction in LEV discontinuation.

Limitations

Retrospective Design: Cannot establish causality; associations may reflect confounding variables (e.g., disease severity, concurrent medications).
Lack of Dosing Details: Absence of standardized B6 dosing, timing, or formulation limits reproducibility.
Selection Bias: Patients on B6 may have had different baseline characteristics (e.g., socioeconomic status, parental reporting bias).
Subjective Outcomes: Behavioral improvements were likely self-reported, increasing risk of bias.
Need for RCTs: Randomized controlled trials are required to confirm findings and determine optimal dosing.

Clinical Relevance

Practical Implication: Vitamin B6 may improve tolerability of LEV in children with epilepsy, particularly for managing behavioral side effects.
Supplement Use: While promising, the lack of dosing data necessitates cautious interpretation; clinicians should evaluate individual patient needs.
Epilepsy Management: Highlights potential synergy between nutritional supplements and anti-seizure medications, though further research is critical.
Patient Adherence: Lower discontinuation rates with B6 could enhance long-term seizure control by improving medication adherence.

Study Link

Note: This analysis is specific to the cited study. Conclusions should not be generalized without corroborating evidence from controlled trials.