An Absence Seizure StoryHarvey's Journey

This site shares our personal experience only. Nothing here is medical advice — please speak with your own qualified healthcare provider about your child's care.

What We Explored

Nervous system support

We introduced these supplements gradually after receiving the hair tissue mineral analysis results, while working with a practitioner.

Through our research and personal investigation into natural minerals and supplements that may support the nervous system, we spent a significant amount of time exploring different options for Harvey. We looked into a range of minerals, amino acids, and other nutritional supports that are often discussed in relation to nerve function, calming pathways, and overall mineral balance.

The supplements listed on this page are ones we personally investigated and used at various stages of our journey. Some were introduced after the hair tissue mineral analysis results, while others were added later as we continued learning.

We want to be completely clear: we are not doctors, naturopaths, or medical professionals. We are simply parents who researched and tried various approaches for our own son. Nothing on this page should be taken as a recommendation or medical advice. This is only a record of what we explored during our family's experience.

Magnesium

Magnesium plays a central role in calming the nervous system, supporting healthy electrolyte balance, and helping prevent neurons from firing too easily. It was the most significantly low result on Harvey's hair tissue mineral analysis and became the mineral we focused on most closely.

Time To Absorb

Blood levels can rise within a few hours, but magnesium is slow to accumulate in tissue and cells — noticeable changes are often reported after 2–4 weeks of consistent use.

L-Theanine

L-theanine is known for promoting a calm, focused state. It is frequently discussed for its ability to support GABA activity while moderating the effects of excess glutamate. We included it as part of our approach to supporting nervous system balance.

Time To Absorb

Works fastest of the group, with calming effects often noticeable within 30–60 minutes as it crosses into the brain.

Fish Oil (Omega-3)

Omega-3 fatty acids are widely researched for their role in brain health and helping to manage inflammation. We added fish oil for general support of cell membranes and nervous system function.

Time To Absorb

Blood levels start rising within a few hours, but it usually takes 2–4 weeks of daily use before the full benefits are seen in tissues and cell membranes.

Creatine

Creatine is best known for supporting cellular energy production. Some research also explores its potential role in brain energy metabolism and cognitive function, which is why we decided to try it.

Time To Absorb

Absorbs into the blood within 1–2 hours, with muscle and brain levels building over days to weeks of consistent use.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K works together with vitamin D to help guide calcium to the appropriate places in the body. We included it to support the balance between calcium and vitamin D that we were already addressing.

Time To Absorb

Absorbs into the blood within 2–4 hours and works relatively quickly to support calcium direction in the body.

Probiotic

We added a probiotic to support gut health. The gut is connected to the brain through the gut-brain axis, and this connection is often discussed in relation to inflammation and overall nervous system function.

Time To Absorb

Works in the gut rather than the bloodstream. Effects on digestion can start within a few days, while broader benefits through the gut-brain axis usually take 2–4 weeks to become noticeable.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, protects cells from oxidative stress, and plays a role in overall brain and nerve health. Research has shown that low levels of ascorbic acid in the brain can increase seizure susceptibility, while supplementation has demonstrated some protective and anticonvulsant effects. We included it as part of Harvey's general nutritional support in helping manage oxidative stress that can accompany seizures.

Time To Absorb

Enters the bloodstream within 1–2 hours and becomes active quite fast.

Calcium

Calcium is essential for proper nerve signalling and helps stabilise the electrical activity of neurons. Along with magnesium, it was one of the most significantly low minerals on Harvey's hair tissue mineral analysis and formed a key part of the pattern we focused on. It is frequently discussed in relation to supporting calm, steady nerve function and maintaining healthy mineral balance within the body.

Time To Absorb

Blood levels can change relatively quickly, but calcium is slow to build up in tissues and cells. Noticeable shifts are typically reported after several weeks of consistent intake.

Zinc

Zinc plays an important role in nerve signalling, enzyme function, and supporting a calm, regulated nervous system. On Harvey's hair tissue mineral analysis it sat comfortably within the ideal range, unlike the significantly low calcium and magnesium. Even so, it remains an important mineral in the overall picture — particularly when working with elevated aluminium and a fast oxidiser pattern.

Time To Absorb

Zinc levels in the blood can begin to respond within days to a couple of weeks, but meaningful changes in tissue stores usually take longer — often 4–6 weeks or more of consistent use.

Disclaimer

This is a personal record of what we used and the information we researched. We are not medical professionals and this is not medical advice. Please consult your own qualified healthcare provider before considering any supplements.