Caffeinated drinks, fruit juices, and epilepsy: A systematic review

The aim of this systematic review was to provide the required information regarding different aspects of the relationship between epilepsy/antiseizure medications and non-alcoholic drinks. The recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement were followed. MEDLINE and Scopus from the inception until 7 August 2021 were systematically searched. These key words were used: epilepsy OR seizure OR antiepileptic OR antiseizure OR anticonvulsant AND coffee OR tea OR soda OR juice OR drink OR cola OR diet (35 key word combinations). The primary search yielded 21 458 publications (PubMed, n = 4778; Scopus, n = 16 680). Only 50 studies met all the inclusion criteria and were included in the current systematic review. In total, 17 articles investigated various non-alcoholic drinks in human studies, 11 studies were case reports/series, and 22 articles were animal/in vitro studies. None of the studies provided a class 1 of evidence. There is limited evidence suggesting that certain drinks (eg, caffeinated energy drinks) might trigger seizures. Patients with epilepsy should avoid excessive consumption of certain fruit juices (eg, grapefruit, lime, pomegranate, kinnow, and star fruit) and caffeinated drinks. However, daily coffee and tea intake can be part of a healthy balanced diet, and their consumption does not need to be stopped in patients with epilepsy. Coffee/tea consumption is not harmful if consumed at levels of 200 mg (caffeine) in one sitting (about 21/2 cups of coffee) or 400 mg daily (about five cups of coffee).

Automated summary

This systematic review found no strong evidence supporting a direct relationship between non-alcoholic drinks and epilepsy/antiseizure medications. However, limited evidence suggests that certain drinks may trigger seizures. It is recommended for patients with epilepsy to avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated drinks and certain fruit juices, but moderate daily intake of coffee and tea is not harmful.