Impact of Vitamin D3 Deficiency on Quality of Life in Epilepsy: A Call for Routine Screening and Intervention

Abstract Background The association between vitamin D3 levels and quality of life (QoL) in people with epilepsy on long-term antiseizure medications is an area of ongoing research. This study aims to assess serum vitamin D3 levels in people with epilepsy and evaluate the effects of supplementation on their QoL. Materials and Methods A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital from June 2021 to July 2022. People with epilepsy aged 12 to 45 years, receiving antiseizure medications for at least 1 year, were recruited. Baseline serum vitamin D3 levels were measured, and epilepsy diagnoses were confirmed according to the International League Against Epilepsy guidelines (2017). QoL was evaluated using the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Scale (QOLIE-31) for adults and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy for Adolescents Scale (QOLIE-48) for adolescents. Patients with vitamin D3 deficiencies received supplementation, and their QoL were reassessed at 3 and 6 months. Data were analyzed using t-tests, multiple logistic regression, and analysis of variance. Results At baseline, the mean serum vitamin D3 level was 17.99 ± 6.77 ng/mL, increasing to 21.46 ± 2.91 ng/mL at 3 months and 24.41 ± 3.19 ng/mL at 6 months. Patients with vitamin D3 deficiency exhibited significantly lower scores across multiple domains of the Quality of Life Inventory (QOLIE-31 and QOLIE-48). A significant improvement was seen in most of the QOLIE scores and serum vitamin D3 levels after vitamin D3 supplementation. Conclusion People with epilepsy on long-term antiseizure medications have vitamin D3 deficiency, which negatively impacts their QoL. Regular screening and supplementation are recommended for better management of epilepsy.