Folic acid replacement in folate-deficient children on anticonvulsants

Abstract

Significantly lower serum folate levels were found in 39 children taking anticonvulsant drugs than in 25 controls (P = 0 01). Because of reports of improved mental function after folic acid replacement in folate-deficient epileptics, 19 children entered a trial of folic acid versus placebo. There was no significant difference in simple reaction times, in numbers of hours slept, or in fit frequency. The increase in fits due to folic acid which has been reported seems to be an uncommon response to the vitamin.