How My Child’s Epileptical Seizure Made Me Aware of the Risk of Micronutrient Deficiency

There are 5 essentials your brain should never be missing.

Last summer my child had an epileptical seizure who threw us completely off track. After several medical examinations the doctors were able to explain what caused this seizure — a trouble spot of dysfunctional neurons — but they couldn’t explain what the cause for this trouble spot could be or what causes are even possible.

The doctor said my daughter has to be observed very carefully the next few weeks. I had to note down everything I notice about her. What she eats, what she does, how long and how well she sleeps, her daily energy levels, wether she could concentrate well or not and so on. The doctor couldn’t advise us anymore. So we were left helpless and uncertain what the future will bring.

The only thing that consoled us was another examination with an electroencephalogram (EEG) after three months, which might provide more clarification. But for now there was nothing else we could do.

But I couldn’t stand the uncertainty. Like any parent would do, I began to search online about epilepsy and brain function and during my researches I learned a lot. I learned not only about our body functions, but above all about the brain and the importance of micronutrients. Until then, I didn’t know how dangerous even a small micronutrient deficiency could be.

So here is what I learned…

If Only a Few Essential Micronutrients Are Missing, The Efficiency of The Brain Is Immediately Reduced

A micronutrient deficiency occurs as soon as essential micronutrients are lacking due to a poor diet. A sufficient supply of important vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats is essential because they are explicitly responsible for an optimized blood flow to the brain and the protection of nerve cells. If there is a deficiency, memory disorders, severe memory loss, diseases or even dementia can be caused.

Micronutrients are therefore natural means of increasing the performance of the brain. If it is supplied with all the essential nutrients, it works properly and efficiently.

During my researches I found the following five micronutrient groups that are essential for the brain functionality.

1. Vitamin D3 controls neural communication

Vitamin D3 is often referred to as the sun vitamin. This is because the body can only produce it with the help of the sun. Vitamin D3 can be found in small amounts in animal foods, but this is nowhere near enough to meet the high demand for the vitamin.

As the sun’s UVB rays penetrate human skin, they activate the skin’s own enzymes, which ultimately converts vitamin D3. However, UVB rays only reach the earth and thus our skin when the sun is at its highest, so that midday between 12 and 3 p.m. is best for a short sunbathing.

The body needs a lot of vitamin D3

Since sufficient UVB rays are not available in the colder months, it is imperative to supplement with vitamin D3. In contrast to the other water-soluble vitamins, vitamin D3 is fat-soluble and can therefore be stored in the body over the winter months and used as required. Nevertheless, the daily consumption of the sun vitamin is extremely high with two to three thousand units, which means that coverage by dietary supplements is necessary. Because vitamin D3 causes many of the body’s own processes that are essential for health. It essentially strengthens the bones, the cardiovascular system and the immune system.

But more important is:

Vitamin D3 is responsible for protecting nerve cells, for controlling the enzyme processes of neurotransmitters and the calcium level and thus for a functioning brain.

Different areas of the brain, such as the hypothalamus or hippocampus, and most of the body’s cells have numerous docking points for vitamin D3, which shows how important this vitamin is for the entire nervous system.

Vitamin D3 deficiency causes memory loss

If there is a deficiency in vitamin D3, neural signals can neither be transmitted nor new nerve connections formed. In the case of a vitamin D3 deficit, not only impairment of performance and ability to concentrate or mental defects such as stress and depression are caused, but also diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, epilepsy, schizophrenia and cancer.

The most explosive factor in neuronal disorders is the control of neuroplasticity, that is the ability of the brain to “remodel”. Vitamin D3 controls and enables the so-called long-term potentiation of learning content, which mainly creates synaptic cell connections via the hippocampus. This means that if there is a vitamin D3 deficiency, the memory is not developed properly and it can therefore lead to memory loss. Learning from and paying attention to learning content is made more difficult, and the reward center in the brain can no longer be activated. Concentration disorders arise, the motivation to learn decreases, mood swings occur and long-term neuronal damage can be the result.

2. B vitamins are responsible for relaxation and concentration

There are eight essential B vitamins that have different effects on the nerves and on the brain and energy metabolism. They are water-soluble and can therefore not be stored by the body, which is why they have to be ingested daily through food.

B vitamins not only support the functionality of the brain, but also act as coenzymes to control important enzyme processes in the body.

Vitamin B deficiency causes mood swings

Since B vitamins help to generate energy and metabolize important nutrients such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates, a B vitamin deficiency manifests itself primarily in constant tiredness, mood swings, exhaustion and in concentration and memory disorders.

That’s because B vitamins help build essential neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. For example, if the happiness hormone serotonin is not produced, this leads to restlessness, dissatisfaction and frustration. If the release of the hormone dopamine is disturbed, this leads to poor concentration and the inability to learn.

Serious consequences of a vitamin B12 deficit

The vitamin B12 is particularly important here. This vitamin largely reduces states of exhaustion such as drowsiness and tiredness. But hair loss, pale skin and anemia can also be the consequences of a B12 deficiency. If there is a permanent, almost chronic vitamin B12 deficiency, more serious symptoms are possible: nausea, loss of appetite, digestive disorders, muscle weakness, heart failure, headaches and depression.

Since this vitamin is only contained in animal products, vegetarians and vegans must primarily take care of adequate supplementation of the vitamin B12. Pregnant women should also consider the increased need for vitamin B12, as essential neurological connections in the unborn child are already established in the mother’s womb. A serious vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy causes considerable speech and writing disorders in childhood.

3. Omega 3 protects the cells from inflammation

Omega 3 fatty acids, which are almost exclusively found in fish products, have an important role in the nervous system in addition to protein synthesis and hormone production: they protect the cell membranes of the brain cells and thus protect them from inflammation. If the cell is functioning normally, all nutrients can easily pass through the soft and flexible cell envelope. As a result, the metabolic waste products can just as easily leave the cell again.

If the omega-3 intake is insufficient, the nutrients can hardly pass through the cell membrane, which is now hard and difficult to permeate, which in turn means that the waste products can, in turn, leave the cell with great difficulty. This results in cellular inflammation and thus dangerous disorders: especially in brain and nerve functions, but also in mental balance, in the cardiovascular system, in skin elasticity, in the organs and in metabolic processes and in the joints and muscles.

An omega 3 deficiency leads to memory loss and epilepsy

Since the brain consists of around thirty percent fat and requires a constant supply of essential fatty acids, an omega 3 deficiency in the brain is mainly indicated by a slower communication speed of the nerve cells. As described above, the cell membrane becomes more impermeable and thus the metabolism is made more difficult. In particular, severe concentration problems, memory deficits and mood swings are the result.

In the case of a permanent deficit of omega 3, obesity, muscle cramps or even epileptic seizures express themselves.

However, it must also be noted that the ratio between Omega 3 and its fellow player Omega 6 must ideally be 3: 1. Omega 6 is found in the poorer fats in the diet and is supplied in excess to the body through a one-sided and unbalanced diet. This reduces the absorption of omega 3 and worsens the ratio between the two fatty acids. In order to counteract this, it is important to ensure an omega 3-rich intake or an omega 3 supplementation. Even in the case of seizures such as epilepsy, a therapeutic use of Omega 3 causes a significant improvement in the inflamed or disturbed nerve connections.

4. Magnesium: the anti-stress mineral and sleep aid

Without magnesium, a metabolic process would hardly function in the body, as it is involved in almost all enzymatic processes. For this reason, there is an enormous daily requirement for magnesium — between 300 and 400 mg per day — which can only be absorbed through food or skin.

Magnesium is often referred to as an anti-stress mineral because it contributes significantly to the reduction of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol in the blood. Among other things, it improves the blood circulation in the brain, which leads to better thinking and concentration and a reduction in the risk of stroke. It also lowers blood sugar levels and balances insulin, which reduces food cravings. As a result, it improves the quality of sleep and also helps you fall asleep restfully.

Magnesium mainly relaxes the muscles, which is why athletes pay attention to an additional magnesium supply due to intensive training. It also relieves period pain in women by relaxing the muscles of the uterus. As it is essential for the activation of enzymatic reactions, it has anti-inflammatory effects and supports and protects the thyroid gland.

A magnesium deficit leads to muscle cramps and insomnia

When restless, many people not only notice a lack of concentration while studying and possibly a slight racing heart, but often also a tremor of muscles in the face, e.g. B. on the eyelid or on the cheek, or on the arms and legs, preferably on the calves. If this happens more often, it becomes uncomfortable and this is explained by stress or the like. However, only a few people know that this is a consequence of an acute magnesium deficiency. A magnesium deficit often manifests itself in muscle pain, weakness, tension or muscle cramps. This results in headaches, mood swings, sleep disorders and susceptibility to stress.

Magnesium helps to relax the body, find inner peace and relieve tension.

In addition, “restless legs” — restless, nervous legs — can be alleviated with an increased supply of magnesium.

5. Creatine is the ultimate source of energy

The Greek word “kreas” in creatine translates as “meat”, which indicates the presence of creatine in animal products. Our bodies can produce creatine from three amino acids (arginine, glycine, methionine) if we consume enough meat and fish products. But the muscles, the heart and especially the brain are real “energy guzzlers”. If the brain is only insufficiently supplied with energy, fatigue, poor performance and concentration problems are the consequences. Creatine therefore provides the brain with plenty of energy so that it does not tire so quickly. It is also an antioxidant and protects nerve cells.

A creatine deficit disrupts the ability to regenerate

Primarily intended to increase the performance of muscle strength, creatine has essential advantages for the brain.

If there is a lack of creatine, this results in an increased susceptibility to stress, poor performance and regeneration disorders.

Memory and intelligence also suffer from a creatine deficiency, as the oxygen supply to the brain is reduced as a result. The result is a high degree of exhaustion after increased mental work and a short creative urge.

Micronutrient experts recommend taking 3 grams of creatine daily as a cure for a period of twelve weeks for nervous disorders. Since creatine binds the micronutrient magnesium, it is important to adapt the magnesium requirement and to supplement it.

Here’s what happened after my researches

After these researches I knew what I had to do. I immediately searched for all the essential micronutrient supplements we need.

Omega 3 Oil

The first was an omega 3 oil which since then not only my child consumes daily but also the whole family.

Omega 3 is offered as high-quality fish oil in the form of capsules or as oil bottles, whereby the fish oil in bottles can be better adapted to personal needs. This is especially useful if there are neuronal malfunctions and the dosage has to be higher. The daily intake of 0.1 to 0.3 ml per kilogram of body weight provides the best effect. It should be taken with meals as it can be better absorbed.

Vitamin D3

We have been using vitamin d3 oil for a long time because we live in northern latitudes, where it is mandatory to take supplements all year round.

Vitamin D3 should be taken daily between 3,000 and 5,000 I.U. in drops (one drop usually corresponds to 1,000 I.U.) in order to achieve an optimal preventive or therapeutic effect, especially if learning and concentration disorders are already occurring. They are also available in tablet form, but the dosage cannot be optimally adjusted here. The fat-soluble vitamin is found in olive oil, coconut oil or MCT oil. It is optimally effective when the vitamin is taken in combination with vitamin K2 — preferably in the form of MK-7.

Vitamin B Complex

Only in the beginning my child used these vitamin b complex to regenerate fast. As we eat healthy and balanced we knew there was no need for an extra supplement.

A vitamin B complex, which contains all eight B vitamins, reduces susceptibility to stress and strengthens memory. It makes you more attentive and alert and thus more concentrated and more productive. Since B vitamins are water-soluble and increase energy enormously, they should only be taken on an empty stomach and in the morning or a few hours after a meal. Exceptionally, they may only be consumed with a light meal if you have stomach problems.

Magnesium

The most significant effect for my child had magnesium. We use it as a spray before bedtime because Magnesium is best absorbed through the skin to work faster and more intensely.

The use as a magnesium oil spray is most effective, although the term oil is misleading as this is only magnesium dissolved in water. Filled in a small spray bottle, it can be sprayed onto arms and legs with around three to four pumps, as required. It should sit for a few minutes before the clothes are painted over it.

Magnesium can also be taken as a powder or capsules. The guideline value here is between 300 and 400 mg magnesium daily. However, due to the metabolism, it takes much longer to work and can ultimately significantly weaken the effect due to the longer body process.

Creatine

Since there are hardly any recommendations that children can supplement creatine and how much per day, I have so far not dared to give my child creatine. But the training results of me and my husband have been improved, since we consume 3 g creatine after every workout.

Creatine can be supplemented as capsules or powder. As a tasteless powder, it is dissolved in water and drunk quickly. Creatine draws water out of the body, which leads to increased muscle mass. The average body’s own requirement is around 3 g of pure creatine monohydrate per day, which must not be exceeded, as it can otherwise lead to gastrointestinal complaints — although the amount can vary greatly depending on physical activity and body mass.

Results

I never thought that there was a deficiency and that even a slight deficiency of these nutrients would affect us in that way. Especially since we have always paid attention to a balanced and healthy diet. This story tells me that we need to pay even more attention to the nutritional needs of children. Especially when they are growing you never know if they take in all of the essential nutrients.

After three months with the next EEG, my child’s neurological doctor was really surprised that the trouble spot became smaller in such a short time. She has never seen such rapid improvement before. I told her what I learned and changed in our diet. She didn’t know what to say. The only thing she said was that we should go on like this and do a control EEG every year to measure the change.

So what if I hadn’t researched the possible causes? If I hadn’t discovered the risk of micronutrients? — I don’t know. But since there is always a risk of a seizure from now on, we now know what to do.

If you like this story, you may like the following:

Cover Photo: Creative background, the human brain on a blue background/Aliaksandr Marko — stock.adobe.com

Photo Credit: Hand holding dropper pipette with nice golden liquid D-vitamin against sun and blue sky on sunny day/FotoHelin — stock.adobe.com