Omega-3 helpful for children with ADHD

Posted on Mon, 10 Oct 11

A number of studies have set out to see if omega-3 supplements can reduce attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms but results have been mixed. A review of 10 studies has found that, on the whole, omega-3 supplements are beneficial.

Ten studies involving 699 children were included in the analysis which found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation demonstrated a small but significant effect in improving ADHD symptoms (1). Supplements containing higher levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) also improved ADHD symptoms.

“Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, particularly with higher doses of EPA, was modestly effective in the treatment of ADHD” concluded the investigators who went on to say that although the clinical effect of omega-3 was modest compared to prescription drugs the use of omega-3 would be reasonable as an addition to drug therapy, or for families who reject drug therapy as a treatment option.

The exact amount of omega-3 needed to reduce ADHD symptoms is not yet clear but studies suggest that a dose of 500 mg of EPA per day would produce benefits in children (2-3).

References:

1. Bloch M, Qawasmi A. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for the Treatment of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptomatology: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. Published online August 16, 2011

2. Richardson AJ, Montgomery P. The Oxford-Durham study: a randomized, controlled trial of dietary supplementation with fatty acids in children with developmental  coordination disorder. Pediatrics. 2005 May;115(5):1360-6.

3. Gustafsson PA, Birberg-Thornberg U, Duchén K, Landgren M, Malmberg K, Pelling  H, Strandvik B, Karlsson T. EPA supplementation improves teacher-rated behaviour  and oppositional symptoms in children with ADHD. Acta Paediatr. 2010 Oct;99(10):1540-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2010.01871.x.